Conference Session

Teaching Courses in Renewable Energy Systems

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Samuel Lakeou, University of the District of Columbia; Esther Ososanya, University of the District of Columbia; Ben Latigo, University of the District of Columbia; Sisay Beru, University of the District of Columbia; Mamadou Keita, University of the District of Columbia; Steven Omoijunanfo, University of the District of Columbia

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

Society for Engineering Education, 2007 Design of a Renewable Energy Based Power System for a Zero Energy Visitors’ CenterI. IntroductionThe work presents the design and building of a hybrid, solar and wind powered system, whichwill provide electricity to a “zero energy visitors’ center” (ZEVC). The hybrid energy systemand the “Leed”1 certified visitors’ building will be located on the Van Ness campus of theUniversity of the District of Columbia. The system is intended to increase the viability anddeployment of renewable energy technologies by way of disseminating in the community atlarge, valuable information on the benefits brought to society by renewable energy sources. Theproposed system will serve as a

Conference Session

Experiences in Teaching Energy Courses

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Slobodan Petrovic, Arizona State University; Lakshmi Munukutla, Arizona State University; John Robertson, Arizona State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

particular issue. If it turns out that the problemis wide-spread and persistent it might be necessary to revise the prerequisites for studentsentering alternative energy programs to include additional chemistry credits and to secure theoverall success of the programs.Another alternative would be to provide a summer or inter-session refresher course for thosestudents that have not taken the necessary chemistry courses. In addition, a restructuring of thefirst module to more basic approach while extending the last module designed for electronics Page 12.715.8students could be considered.References 1. Lakshmi Munukutla, Albert McHenry, Robert

Conference Session

Teaching Emerging Energy Technologies

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Radian Belu, Wayne State University; Alexandru Catalin Belu, Wayne State University; Lucian Cioca, University Lucian Blaga, Sibiu Romania

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

models were developed for the size of generation units and for varioussystem components. A simple numerical algorithm was also developed for generationunit sizing. It was used to determine the optimum generation capacity and storage neededfoe a stand-alone or grid-connected, wind, PV, and hybrid wind/PV system. The basicobjective of this design support module is to complement the classroom teaching oftheory concepts through the use of simulation software and to help students in their termdesign project. Although the program is designed primarily for educational purpose, itcan be used to solve practical design problems.1. Introduction.The interest in renewable energy resources has been growing for several years due totheir pollution free

Conference Session

Novel Applications of Computers/Software in Energy Education

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Liping Guo, University of Northern Iowa; Recayi 'Reg' Pecen

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

PSCADsimulation tool can therefore duplicate the response of power electronics circuits at allfrequencies. Users are able to select time steps ranging from nanoseconds to seconds2. Incomparison with other simulation software such as PSpice, PSCAD is specifically targeted tosimulate power systems and power electronics circuits. On the other hand, PSpice is a generalpurpose analog and mixed-signal circuit simulator used to verify circuit designs and to predictcircuit behavior.Case studies discussed in this paper include a half-wave rectifier, a buck converter and a full-bridge inverter. Before the case studies, students were given a tutorial of PSCAD in order tobecome familiar with the software package. The tutorial includes the following topics: (1) Howto

Conference Session

Teaching Emerging Energy Technologies

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Esther Ososanya, University of the District of Columbia; Samuel Lakeou, University of the District of Columbia; Kidist Negede, University of the District of Columbia; Abiyu Negede, University of the District of Columbia; Aziz Sirag, University of the District of Columbia; Sisay Beru, University of the District of Columbia; Azezom Meles, University of the District of Columbia

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

areapplicable for Stationary, Residential, Transportation and Portable Power, Landfill/wastewatertreatment and most importantly the environmental-friendly energy production.The objectives of this study are: i) to exploit and advertise the benefits of fuel cell technology, ii)to compare and contrast different types of fuel cells, and iii) to build a prototype fuel cellgenerator and demonstrate its operation.Definition: A fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device. A fuel cell converts thechemicals hydrogen and oxygen into water, and in the process it produces electricity, as shownin figure 1. Page 12.457.2 load

Conference Session

New Trends in Energy Curriculum

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Noel Schulz, Mississippi State University; Herbert Ginn, Mississippi State University; Stanislaw Grzybowski, Mississippi State University; Anurag Srivastava, Mississippi State University; Jimena Bastos, Mississippi State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

undergraduate classes as well exposing power engineering students to the many facets of thefield.Shipboard Power SystemsShipboard integrated power system provides application case studies for several powercurriculum areas. Figure 1 shows a single-line diagram for a typical shipboard power systememploying electric propulsion. The system architecture shown is typical of a shipboarddistribution system for heavy cargo ships or icebreakers utilizing cycloconverter electric drives.Figure 1 highlights some of the areas of opportunity related to integrating ship systems intopower engineering classes. The next section will discuss how particular topics related toshipboard power systems are integrated into the curriculum.Integration of Shipboard Power System

Conference Session

New Trends in Energy Curriculum

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kendrick Aung, Lamar University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

12.1576.2industry, many engineering textbooks in thermal/fluid sciences do not include or even describethem. In the author’s opinion, it is important for students to learn the use of design sheets as itwill enhance their understanding of engineering design process as well as experience of real-world engineering practices. Some design sheets and engineering guides from manufacturers alsoprovide a comprehensive engineering information and consideration of factors or issues that arevery useful for students. For example, in choosing a pump, it is necessary to not only considerflow rate and pressure head but the type of liquid, properties of liquid (corrosive, toxic),construction materials, and maintenance issues. Fig. 1 shows the pump selection

Conference Session

Experiences in Teaching Energy Courses

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Noel Schulz, Mississippi State University; Herbert Ginn, Mississippi State University; Stanislaw Grzybowski, Mississippi State University; Anurag Srivastava, Mississippi State University; Jimena Bastos, Mississippi State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

electric drives, ship systems now have anopportunity to explore new ways to operate, maintain and protect the ship. The electricalengineering side of power engineering plays a key role.This paper provides an overview of some of the research activities related to electric shipresearch that overlap with activities related to utility systems. The goal is to demonstrate thedual use or cross-over opportunities and see how cross fertilization between the research effortsmight help both areas. A paper related to integrating shipboard power systems into thecurriculum discusses more of the curricular issues [1]. Additional results from this research areavailable from references [2-39

Conference Session

Design Experiences in Energy Systems

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Andrew Lau, Pennsylvania State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

purchase, plus it requires attaching wires to the cells and interconnectingthem and mounting them on some type of base. In our case, local volunteers pre-assemble thepanels, wiring them with two sets of leads so that they can be connected with all of the cells inseries (27.0 Voc), or with a parallel arrangement of three cells in series (13.5 Voc). The cells areassembled with hot glue or double-stick tape onto a polystyrene tray that is donated by a localsupermarket (Figure 1). Figure 1 Photovoltaic module assembly used by local middle schoolsOur middle school partners have been using these less expensive components successfully intheir programs. The volunteer parent leader, Tobin Short, had noticed that the wiring of the sixcells

Conference Session

Developments in the Energy Laboratories

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Thomas Brelage, Purdue University; Timothy Skvarenina, Purdue University; William DeWitt, Purdue University; Thomas Robertson, Purdue University; Athula Kulatunga, Purdue University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

Electrical Engineering Technology(EET) program at Purdue Universitywas founded in 1965 and hastraditionally included a required powercourse in the sophomore year. In 1985,the program moved into renovatedlaboratory space and the power labreceived eight new Hampden1 benches,one of which is shown in Figure 1.Each bench is equipped with single andthree-phase induction motors,synchronous alternators, dc motors andgenerators, dc dynamometers, single-phase resistive load boxes, three-phaseRLC load boxes, transmission linesimulators, phase-shiftingtransformers, phase angle meters, andother equipment.As originally constructed, connections Figure 1: Power lab work benchwere made to the bench and other

Conference Session

Experiences in Teaching Energy Courses

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Timothy Skvarenina, Purdue University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

, as with a television remote, that required line of sight between the student andthe receiver. In addition, large classes might require more than one receiver and students wouldhave to aim at the correct target. More recently, RF systems have been introduced, whicheliminate most of the problems associated with IR systems. One such system is ClassroomPerformance System (CPS) by eInstruction10. This is the system that was chosen by _______University and it will be briefly described before discussing how it was used in the class andsome of the lessons that have been learned using it.As mentioned before, the heart of the system isthe student clickers. In the two years, I havebeen using them, they have evolved significantly.Figure 1 shows two

Conference Session

Experiences in Teaching Energy Courses

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ilya Grinberg, Buffalo State College; Mohammed Safiuddin, University at Buffalo, SUNY

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

download for later viewing at courseweb site.. Videotaping the class and making it available for download the next day allowsstudents, all working full time, to access the class at convenient time when they are unable toattend interactive sessions or participate “on line”.This results in multiple options for taking the class: 1. Students are able to come to UB and take the class in person 2. Students are able to take the class from anywhere with telephone service and Internet access. Some attended class from their office; others with high-speed internet access took the class from their home. If traveling, a student can even attend the class from a hotel room. 3. Students that could not take a

Conference Session

Outreach Projects and General Energy Education

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Fletcher, Lawrence Technological University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

todocument that matching funds would be available to complete the project.After detailed review we proposed placing the system on top of the high-bay of the engineeringbuilding, as this location provided adequate solar exposure throughout the day, and possessed aroof that could withstand the structural loading of the system. A mono-crystalline orpolycrystalline silicon PV system was also proposed for several reasons, 1) mono-crystalline orpolycrystalline silicon PV systems have the highest efficiencies of commercially availabletechnologies and, therefore, deliver a smaller system array footprint; 2) the higher efficienciesresult in a smaller required mounting system size and, thus, a lower mass loading on the roof; 3)several amorphous silicon PV

Conference Session

Developments in the Energy Laboratories

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Andrew Gerhart, Lawrence Technological University; Philip Gerhart, University of Evansville

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

work was concluded to further characterize the RankineCycler. First, more steady state runs were performed at higher voltages than previous tests todetermine an optimum operating point. Second, a method for accurate steam flow measurementwas developed. Third, the fuel (LP) flow calibration was verified. Fourth, the turbine and Page 12.1002.2generator were studied to discover discrepancies in power output. Finally, boiler efficiency isdiscussed along with some recommendations.1. IntroductionAt colleges around the world, mechanical engineering students are required to learn somethingabout the Rankine cycle. Plants using this cycle with steam as

Conference Session

Developments in the Energy Laboratories

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ke Chen, Cleveland State University; Ana Stankovic, Cleveland State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

Laboratory that consisted of line-fed motor generator setshas been completely dismantled and replaced with seven modern test benches.This paper presents the construction of the newly developed laboratory along with the structureof the Power Electronics and Electric Machines program. It has been shown in literature thatnumber of power electronics and electric machines laboratories use either modular Lab-Voltequipment [1] or integrative approach [2], [3], [4], [5] and [6]. Unlike the majority of powerelectronics and electric machines laboratories that have recently been renovated, the laboratory atCleveland State University has been designed to take the advantage of both traditional as well ascontemporary approach to teaching power electronics and

Conference Session

Experiences in Teaching Energy Courses

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Brendan Egan, Milwaukee School of Engineering; Stephen Dechant, Milwaukee School of Engineering; Christopher Damm, Milwaukee School of Engineering

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

(CMU) has received funding to lay the groundwork for the creation of the Building as a PowerPlant (BAPP), a demonstration of what can be achieved in energy efficiency and on-site powergeneration. An architectural rendering of the proposed design, attached to the MargaretMorrison Hall of Fine Arts, is depicted in Figure 1.The six story, 64,000 square foot BAPP is to be built on the CMU campus to house classrooms,studios, laboratories, and offices for the College of Fine Arts2. The building will be selfsufficient, creating all of its heating, cooling, and electric needs via a cogeneration system.There have been several studies3,4,5 of overall efficiency and economic feasibility of cogenerationsystems. Gas Turbines, reciprocating engine-generator

Conference Session

Design Experiences in Energy Systems

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jennifer Mullin, Virginia Tech; Jinsoo Kim, Korea National University of Education; Vinod Lohani, Virginia Tech; Jenny Lo, Virginia Tech

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

university’s educational,research, and outreach efforts to achieve sustainable and secure energy systems.Approximately 1,200 students completed the six week long team design project whichculminated with a design showcase where 17 semi-finalists competed for 1 of 3 prizes.This paper presents the implementation details of the design project. In addition, resultsof a mixed-method study with 112 students which include pre- and post-test survey dataexamining general knowledge of renewable energy, attitudes towards renewable energy,engineering design and feedback from focus groups interviews are discussed.1. IntroductionThe General Engineering program at Virginia Tech is being reformed as a part of aDepartment-Level Reform (DLR) grant from the NSF. A theme

Conference Session

Outreach Projects and General Energy Education

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Elizabeth DeBartolo, Rochester Institute of Technology; Margaret Bailey, Rochester Institute of Technology; Melissa Zaczek, Cummins; Timothy Schriefer, Rochester Institute of Technology; Patrick Kelley, Carnegie Mellon University; Mallika Ramaswamy, Rochester Institute of Technology; Nicholas Ryczko, Pratt & Whitney

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

, and technology, but do not have familiarity with the material4. During the2005-06 academic year, a team of Multidisciplinary Senior Design (MSD) students set out todesign, build, and test a series of hands-on activities intended to increase awareness of andinterest in engineering as a field of study. These activities all centered on a theme of howengineering work can be related to energy and the environment. During the 2006-07 academicyear, a second team of Software Engineering students is working to design an interactive Page 12.1505.3companion website to the TEAK activities.The objectives of the TEAK project are as follows:1. Encourage middle

Conference Session

Teaching Courses in Renewable Energy Systems

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Michael E. Hay, University of Northern Iowa; Recayi 'Reg' Pecen

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

studies constitute a significant portion of the wind power education. Three major stateuniversities in Iowa are also planning to offer advanced classes in the planning and managementof small and large scale wind-electric based distributed energy systems.Wind power technology has become one of the fastest growing technologies in the world. It alsoconstitutes one of the most efficient green power technologies 1-2. The wind power generation inIowa is a clean, available, and cost effective alternative source of energy and, better yet, can bereadily integrated into both existing and new power grids 3-5.III. MethodologyGeneration of electrical energy from wind can be economically achieved only where a significantwind resource exists. Because of the

Conference Session

Teaching Courses in Renewable Energy Systems

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Weissbach, Pennsylvania State University-Erie; Isaac Aunkst, General Dynamics Corporation

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

solar panel. To better explain this, please refer to Figure 1. A solar panel under an opencircuit is able to supply a maximum voltage with no current, while under a short circuit is able tosupply a maximum current with no voltage. In either case, the amount of power supplied by thesolar panel is zero. The key is to develop a method whereby maximum power can be obtainedfrom the voltage and current multiplied together. This “maximum power point” is illustrated bylooking at a voltage-current (VI) curve in Figure 1, and finding the “knee” of the curve. Anumber of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms have been developed andemployed.2 Figure 1. Illustration of a V-I Curve for a Solar PanelThe third method to increase

Conference Session

Developments in the Energy Laboratories

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David Blekhman, California State University Los Angeles

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

become a natural progression for the laboratorydescribed in this article. Uske and Barat10 discuss their experiences with determination of flamespeeds in premixed flames using digital images of the flame. Peters11 describes a premixed flameexperiment with the fuel and oxidizer flowrates controlled by rotameters. Temperature andvelocity profiles are obtained in various axial positions of the test chamber. Combustionefficiency is monitored by an O2 analyzer.In addition, various commercial combustion related units (boilers, gas turbines, and engines) areavailable. In particular, Hampden H-FPST-1 “Flame Propagation and Study Trainer” and P.A.Hilton C551 “Flame Propagation and Stability Unit” are excellent units for flame studies. Due topremium

Conference Session

New Trends in Energy Curriculum

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Bradley Rogers, Arizona State University; Mark Henderson, Arizona State University; Chell Roberts, Arizona State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

project.In the fall of 2005, a project to assess the possibility of wind energy development on the Hopination in Northern Arizona was initiated in partnership with the tribe.1 The location of the Hopination is illustrated on Figure 1 by the green outlined area in the northeast portion of the state.As figure 1 also illustrates, macroscopic evaluation of the climate for wind energy in Arizona isnot promising. However, microclimates caused by the rugged topography of the high desert onwhich the Hopi reservation is located do have such promise, and this project seeks to accurately Page 12.935.2evaluate this potential.This project has provided an

Conference Session

Outreach Projects and General Energy Education

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Valentina Cecchi, Drexel University; Michael Kleinberg, Drexel University; Milo Tong, Drexel University; Bridget Kleinberg, Drexel University; Karen Miu, Drexel University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

students, were re-designed and adapted for outreach education. Aniterative design procedure was employed with the active involvement of and feedback from anon-engineer and a high school student. New laboratory manuals were developed and a new setof laboratory activities were selected. Assessment surveys were also created to evaluate theparticipants’ understanding of the material and the effectiveness of the hardware laboratoryexperience.I. Introduction In response to the general public’s increasing interest in power and energy systems,especially for non-engineering professionals that require education and training in electric powersystems, the power engineering community has responded with the development of severaleducational courses, e.g. [1

Conference Session

Project-Based Education in Energy Conversion

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Richard Smith, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona; Richard Cockrum, California State Polytechnic University Pomona; Phyllis Nelson, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona; Marvin Abrams, California State Polytechnic University Pomona

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

manufactured by thesecompanies do no address the use of multiple LEDs exceeding several hundred toseveral thousand LEDs in a single circuit. Simple advertising signs that providetime and temperature use over 2000 LEDs, see Figure 1. The sign in Figure 1uses series resistors that consumed considerable power. The goal of this project isto minimize or eliminate the series resistors. For example the drive circuits soldby Maxim Inc. are designed to provide power to less than 10 LEDs, see Figure 2. Figure 1. Typical Commercial Time and Temperature Sign. Source: Designed and Constructed by Cal Poly Pomona University Students and the Project Team. Figure 2. Typical Commercial LED Driver IC Block Diagram. Source: Maxim Corp.To

Conference Session

Project-Based Education in Energy Conversion

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Yaw Yeboah, Pennsylvania State University; Sarma Pisupati, Pennsylvania State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

expertise in energy especially withinthe College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) through the departments of Energy andGeo-Environmental Engineering (EGEE), Material Science and Engineering andGeosciences as well as the Energy Institute (EI)1. The EMS College, in collaborationwith other Colleges, is uniquely positioned to assist in this area of national importance:energy. The EGEE Department2, for example, is committed to educating the student body Page 12.1196.2at Penn State with regard to energy and energy concerns. This department is currentlyeducating 4,000 students per year in energy outside of our departmental majors,compared to less than 300

Conference Session

Project-Based Education in Energy Conversion

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mahmoud Alahmad, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Herbert Hess, University of Idaho; Brian Johnson, University of Idaho

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

, disconnect switches, fuses and conduit andconductors to interconnect the entire system. Fig. 1, shows a picture of this layout. This replicasystem allows students to see the physical connections and sizes of equipment to facilitatepractical and rational design methods. The classroom is also equipped with actual inductiveloads, power factor correction capacitors and demand meters. These components allow thestudent to visually inspect the difference between real and displacement power factors and powerfactor correction design alternatives. In addition, the lab is equipped with various types oflighting systems and exposed mechanical equipment to provide further insight into the builtenvironment and the student’s role in this development.Fig. 1

Conference Session

Design Experiences in Energy Systems

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Peter Mark Jansson, Rowan University; Ryan Elwell, Rowan University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

to be created for buildings that made it past the firstscreening. This was in order to evaluate those systems for NJ rebate eligibility5 and generate therequisite applications for the NJCEP rebates. Finally, those systems that were eligible for rebatesbecame part of a long-term cost/benefit analysis that incorporated the engineering cost estimatesfor each system, the maintenance costs, the City of Ocean City’s bond fees and interest and thebenefits stream from energy savings and Solar Renewable Energy Certificate6 value. Page 12.460.3 Figure 1: Initial scope of renewable energy project with feasibility ratingsElectrical Usage

Conference Session

Project-Based Education in Energy Conversion

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Margaret Bailey, Rochester Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

EducationThermodynamics (ME680) during their fourth or fifth years. Like their peer institutions, RIT hasthe desire and requirement to improve curriculum structure, integration, and assessment. ME413 and 680 form a progression in course work into the study of Thermodynamics and,therefore, the courses are carefully integrated. This integration is achieved through a courseassessment process conducted by the faculty leads from both courses.The goal of Thermodynamics is to provide studentswith practical and relevant engineering science Table 1. Summary of Topics Exploredbackground in thermodynamics. The course also in Thermodynamics (ME 413)provides the groundwork for subsequent courses in Topical Areas

Conference Session

Teaching Emerging Energy Technologies

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Arunachala Nadar Mada Kannan; Lakshmi Munukutla, Arizona State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

introduce students toapplications of nanotechnology through four different modules. The modules are selected inorder to have hierarchy in student learning in three different areas (fuel cells, batteries andsolar photovoltaics) of alternative energy technologies. The modular nature of this proposedcourse will offer the benefit of allowing students to register for varying credit hoursdepending on their interest/requirement. The course contents are given below in fourmodules: 1. Nanotechnology ‚ What is in the nanotechnology ‚ Synthesis and characterization of carbon nanotubes ‚ Energy related application areas ‚ Implications for philosophy, ethics, and society 2. Smart Batteries ‚ Nanomaterials for anodes

Conference Session

Design Experiences in Energy Systems

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jorge Alvarado, Texas A&M University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

first part of the case study was to devise the appropriate course model to be able to involvestudents in the design, development and construction of a lab-scale ground source heat pump(GSHP). Figure 1 shows the traditional or conventional approach frequently used in most seniordesign courses. It basically shows a course coordinator as the main point of contact for allmajor activities including project selection and assignment, and student group selection. Eventhough such a model has been used effectively for years, it may not be well suited for moreadvanced or complex projects because of the lack of resources, technical expertise or even time.Given the nature of complex thermal systems, a more appropriate model should be considered12.Figure 2