Conference Session

Sustainable Energy Education

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Liping Guo, Northern Illinois University; Mansour Tahernezhadi, Northern Illinois University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

design and implement alternative energy systems.Oral Presentation Towards the end of the workshop, each participant was given a topic to research on andthey made an oral presentation to the class. Some of the topics are “Application of solar power”,“Application of wind power”, “Electric safety”, “History of solar power and wind power”, “Solarand wind power hybrid systems” and “Helpful websites for experiments and lesson plans relatedto solar and wind technology”.Lesson Plans Each participant wrote an inquiry-based lesson plan in solar and wind power technology,and electricity after attending the ETI institute. Inquiry-based learning incorporatesinterdisciplinary study, critical thinking skills, and structured research considering

Conference Session

Outreach Projects: Promoting Energy Efficiency and Education in General

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ahmed Cherif Megri, University of Wyoming

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

architects, mechanical and structuralengineers, lighting designers and specialist simulation modelers contribute to anintegrated approach. The integrated approach may involve the use of local weatherconditions, such as wind-driven ventilation and daylighting, as well as the characteristicsof the building shape, materials and space planning needs.In this paper, a methodology presented to our students in the framework of this course ispresented. This methodology is based on using actual buildings, where local weatherconditions as well as engineering considerations and architecture are used in an integratedapproach to achieve a successful design.We discuss the course program from the students’ point of view, and the experienceearned in design

Conference Session

Sustainability, Diversity, and STEM in Contemporary Energy Education

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jeffrey R. Seay, University of Kentucky; Wesley Allen Whipple, University of Kentucky

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

well as operate the larger scale biodiesel production equipment.Typically, the students come to campus 2 or 3 at a time during breaks in their academic classschedule. The students schedule their campus visits independently. The university researchteam utilizes an online calendar to schedule laboratory time, so the high school participants areable to see when research work is being done, and there schedule their visits accordingly.By working side by side with the undergraduates, the students are able to work and contribute ata level beyond what they would typically be able to do. Although the undergraduates were givenno special instructions with regard to working with the high school students, they wereencouraged to include them in planning and

Conference Session

Curricular Developments in Energy Education I

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Andrew L. Gerhart, Lawrence Technological University; Robert W. Fletcher, Lawrence Technological University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

• Defining LEED • Emergency preparedness planning. Page 22.467.6Besides standard classroom instruction, the students go on site visits, are visited by special guestlecturers, and complete four projects. In detail, the projects are as follows:1) Preparation of an “Energy Conservation Plan” with the following aspects: identifyingopportunities, determining an action plan, calculating the savings, written report.2) Working in a team of two students perform an actual energy audit with the following aspects:energy audit scope & plan, walk-down & information gathering, analysis, recommendations,written report.3) Preparation of an Environmental

Conference Session

Curricular Developments in Energy Education I

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Margaret B. Bailey, Rochester Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

(approved by course instructor).• Prepare a book review (1200 words MAX).• Present your findings in an informal setting to your classmates.Grade Plan and Project Milestone: Deliverables are graded events that are required no later than thedates specified. Submit to mycourses dropbox by noon on the date due. PART II Due Date POINTS Book Selection MEMO Friday, week 2 5 Submission 1: Heading, Introduction, and Background Friday, week 4 25 Submission 2: Summary + Incorporate Revised Past Friday, week 6 25 Submission(s) Submission 3: Evaluation + Incorporate Revised Past Friday, week

Conference Session

Energy Education and Industrial Partnership Needs

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Patrick A. Tebbe, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

workshops and training courses were oncelooked at as things engineers did after getting a job, it may be time to fully embrace theseactivities before graduation. While some topics such as LEED and Revit cannot be easily fit intoan engineering curriculum, they can be pursued outside the traditional curriculum classroom.Continuing education after graduation and hire should also be expected and actively planned for.There are many resources available to new engineers; from ASHRAE publications andhandbooks, workshops, to equipment catalogs and code books. However, for young engineersthe requirement of time and motivation to continually study and keep up to date can be aproblem.12V. Description of One ApproachAt Minnesota State University, Mankato (MSU

Conference Session

Digital Simulation Tools in Energy Education

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Saeed Sean Monemi, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

. The decisionsupport tools are basically the brain of the system that makes intelligent and sometimes complexdecisions. Some of these tools are: 1) Diagnostic and Outage analysis 2) Switch coordination 3) Repair planning 4) Restoration time 5) Catastrophic analysis 6) Network integration decisions 7) Load analysis 8) Phase analysis 9) Load dispatching 10) Facility management 11) Crew scheduling 12) Network reconfigurationSimulation and ModelingA well defined “modeling paradigm” for electric power management network is an importanttask that must be accomplished initially. A modeling paradigm is the language with which onecan represent the system models. This will allow to express the

Conference Session

Alternative Energy Laboratory Experiences

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Narayanan M. Komerath, Georgia Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

students to conduct an individual assessment of marketrealities, then join up in teams of two to conduct a more in-depth technical project. At the endeach student was to develop a brief business plan based on their project, which would besubmitted in confidence. The detailed course structure, course outline, and teaching experiencewith the undergraduate course, detailed comments from students at all levels, as well as theimplications of the course for opening international collaborations, have been discussed in two 3,4papers presented at the ASEE Annual Conference in previous years . The policy aspects of

Conference Session

Curricular Developments in Energy Education I

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hayrettin B. Karayaka, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi; Mehrube Mehrubeoglu, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi; Faruk Yildiz, Sam Houston State University; Korinne Caruso, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

engineering physics, with an understanding of nuclear power plant technology,as well as skilled workforce with associate degrees in nuclear power plant systems, radiationprotection and digital instrumentation and control. More specifically, around 450 skilled workerswill be required for each of the eight nuclear plants planned for Texas, among the thirty-oneplants planned for the U.S.A. This number translates to a need for 3600 skilled workers in Texas,two-thirds of whom are expected to hold plant technician positions with a two-year degree, andone-third holding a four-year degree in engineering disciplines, including nuclear engineering,mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and engineering technology 9 .Texas A&M University Corpus

Conference Session

Sustainable Energy Education

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Chasnov, Cedarville University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

. In 2007, electricity purchasedfrom the local utility company accounted for 74% of the campus energy usage. Since theuniversity does not have direct control over which fuel is being used to provide this neededelectricity and since Congress is currently debating “Cap and Trade” legislation, it behooves theuniversity to take a serious look at its energy conservation practices. Recommendations to the university administration include the following: (1) line-itemthe energy cost to students as a part of their bills, (2) increase the rate of replacing olderequipment with high-efficiency units, (3) develop a plan for becoming carbon-neutral by aspecified date in the future, and (4) sponsor a project which integrates environmental, business

Conference Session

Project-Based Education in Energy Curriculum

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Radian G. Belu, Drexel University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

alternative energy distributedgeneration (AEDG) systems such as wind, solar/photovoltaic (PV), and fuel cell (FC) powergeneration devices with zero (or near zero) emission of greenhouse and hazardous gases1,2, 4. Page 22.1236.2These generation devices can be used in stand-alone configuration or be connected to the powernetwork for grid reinforcement. Given the rapid progress in AEDG development and utilization,there will be a great need for trained professionals with adequate knowledge in this area to beable to plan, design and operate AEDG systems, and perform analytic evaluation of their impacton power systems to which they are connected4, 5. On

Conference Session

Project-Based Education in Energy Curriculum

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Herbert L. Hess, University of Idaho

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

the incumbent fossil fuel generator per our energy use plan. We have writtenproposals for funding to provide a more suitable replacement, based on the University of Idaho’shighly successful biofuels research, but none have yet been granted.Diversion LoadA diversion load, controlled by the main inverter/controller dissipates excess generation whenthe battery storage is full. We found this to be an effective way to maintain system stability withthe incumbent system. At 1.0 kW, this load is a little larger than its predecessor’s 400 Watts.This is sufficient to completely avoid disconnecting the baseline water turbine, yieldingautomatic control and security of the entire electrical system at all times. It was tested in thelaboratory as shown in

Conference Session

ECCD Poster Session

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jaime Ramos, University of Texas, Pan American; Leonel Aguilera, University of Texas, Pan American; Elizardo Garcia, Universidad TecMilenio; Sanjeev Kumar, University of Texas, Pan American, Electrical and Computer Engineering; Roman Garcia, IEEE; Jose Sanchez, University of Texas, Pan American

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

. Kumar worked with the leading networking companies in the US. In the networking industry, Dr. Kumar played a leading role in planning, research & development of new communications equipment and networks. Dr. Kumar has authored over 50 technical papers. Dr. Kumar’s research findings have been cited by other researchers in the field. Dr. Kumar has served as Associate Editor for networking Journals, and as a member of technical program committee for international conferences. He has been awarded US and International patents for his inventions in the area of broadband networks. Dr. Kumar received the Ph.D. degree in Computer Engineering from North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina. He is the

Conference Session

Project-Based Education in Energy Curriculum

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Youakim Kalaani, Georgia Southern University; William Trotter Nichols

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

the planning and designing of large PVsystems. The first system involves a retail store called “MART” and the second involve arecreational center called “RAC”. Designing aspect included engineering, economic, andenvironmental factors such as optimal array orientations, shading effects, and compatibilityissues between the PV arrays and inverters under the forecasted weather conditions. Variousmethods for estimating the performance of a PV system were presented with the aim todetermine if photovoltaic energy is both economical and environmentally sound, thus making itsustainable. Different capital budgeting techniques were also investigated to decide whetherinstalling PV systems is financially feasible under the prevailing economic conditions

Conference Session

Sustainable Energy Education

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Chasnov, Cedarville University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

assigned one of six alternative energy sources (wind,natural gas, fuel cell, solar, biodiesel, or nuclear) for which they developed a Partial Replacementof Campus Electricity plan. Student teams were required to identify Cedarville’s electricitysupplier’s energy source, its cost of purchasing the electricity, and the carbon output resultingfrom the electricity purchased by the university. Their task was to locate an existing commercialpower generating unit which could generate at least 15% of Cedarville’s current electricitydemands, compute the capital expenditure to purchase and install the unit, and perform a life-cycle analysis in order to compute total cost to the university over a 30-year period forimplementing their plan.Though Congress has

Conference Session

Curricular Developments in Energy Education I

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert W. Fletcher, Lawrence Technological University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

graduate and undergraduate engineering students. Job and long-termcareer opportunities for recent graduates involved with the energy program are also discussed.Lastly, a discussion is included regarding what changes and additions that are planned for theenergy program at Lawrence Tech to keep the program vibrant and adapting to the ongoingknowledge and understanding needs of today’s engineering graduates.1) BackgroundIn the early spring of 2003 Lawrence Technological University (also known as Lawrence Tech)submitted a proposal to NextEnergy (a nonprofit corporation created by the State of Michiganwith the mission to support and promote alternative energy within the State of Michigan) andwas awarded one of five $100,000 grants in early summer 2003

Conference Session

Energy Education and Industrial Partnership Needs

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Gilbert, Sinclair Community College

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

this certification. The author doesnot take responsibility for the accuracy of the information above but advises the verification ofall the information at the Building Performance Institute website. [4] Page 22.1298.4Home Energy Services Network, RESNET, [6] offers certifications for Home Energy Raters andHome Survey Professionals. A Home Energy Rater conducts an analysis of a new home’sconstruction plans and performs on-site inspections. A certified energy rater conducts acomprehensive energy audit and with the use of diagnostic equipment and computer software,derives an energy efficiency rating on the standardized HERS Index. The HERS Index is

Conference Session

Project-Based Education in Energy Curriculum

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sanjay Jayaram, Saint Louis University, Parks College of Engineering; Sridhar S. Condoor, Saint Louis University, Parks College of Engineering

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

Chromatographer by taking a sample of the produced gas. Since theanaerobic reaction (using methanogens) required maintaining specific ranges of temperature andpH values, a combined Temperature and pH sensor was used.Results: The final Bio-reactor design is as shown in Figure 5, the anaerobic biomass methanegenerator was of an appropriate size for the project. Due to resource and time constraints, manyof the planned experimental analysis were not completed. This project is currently in progresswith the final goal of developing a working prototype of the Biomass Bioreactor Test Bench. Page 22.1240.8 Figure 5: Anaerobic Biomass Methane

Conference Session

Investigating Alternative Energy Concepts

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mehmet Sozen, Grand Valley State University; David Faasse

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

,modeling and analysis. All the models were implemented in MS Excel and all graphical outputswere generated through the same software.By carefully planning these heavily student-involved studies/investigations and ensuing mini-project assignment we have established a set of baseline studies that can be carried out by thestudents as part of extended homework assignments or mini-projects on the topics of solarenergy principles in the above mentioned course. The extent to which specifics will be providedto the students and what to expect from their side is quite clear in the instructor’s mind. Whenthe students are assigned appropriate work in the future based on these experiences they will beable to make use of our grid-tied solar PV panels as well as

Conference Session

Sustainability, Diversity, and STEM in Contemporary Energy Education

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John M. Robertson, Arizona State University, Polytechnic campus; Slobodan Petrovic, Oregon Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

progress of a new technology to revenue generation.A sound appreciation of the interaction of the technology maturity parameters can assistcareer planning and develop the soft skills students should seek to acquire through their Page 22.15.9degree program. The assessment tool provides an easy-to-use map for technologydevelopment as well as a simple way to quantify what has to be done and how it can bemeasured. It can be applied both to incremental technology and to the most novelconcepts.Bibliography 1. National Hydrogen Energy Roadmap, US Department of Energy, November 2002. 2. Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee annual report

Conference Session

Alternative Energy Laboratory Experiences

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Erik A. Mayer, Pittsburg State University; Albert Leroy Powell, Bowling Green State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

Electronics and Computer Technology major at Bowling Green State University. He participated in a solar cell research project with Dr. Erik Mayer at BGSU with the support of the SETGO Summer Research Program funded by the National Science Foundation. With his B.S. in Technology degree, he plans on continuing research in various areas of materials science associated with the electrical engineering field. Page 22.59.1 c American Society for Engineering Education, 2011 A Low-cost Laboratory Experiment to Generate the I-V Characteristic Curves of a Solar

Conference Session

Sustainability, Diversity, and STEM in Contemporary Energy Education

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Lynn Albers, North Carolina State University; Laura Bottomley, North Carolina State University; Amber C. Spolarich, North Carolina State University; Clair Ellen-Ann Wilson, RAMP-UP; Laura Elizabeth Ganson, North Carolina State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

assessment at the back of the Engineering is Elementary workbook, “Catching theWind.” [2] The students were sufficiently spaced to avoid cheating and the test tookapproximately 30 minutes.At the second meeting, the students were introduced to the engineering design process (asdescribed in the Engineering is Elementary workbook) and wrote it in their journal. TheGraduate Fellow then showed them a prototype of a windmill made from a milk carton,dowel, foam, popsicle sticks and index cards and explained the goal which was to seehow quickly they could raise the “bucket” (a Dixie cup) off the floor to the height of thedowel. The students worked individually or in groups of two or three to ask, imagine,and plan (the first three steps of the design process

Conference Session

ECCD Poster Session

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Simon De Los Rios, Lisbon Superior Engineering Institute (ISEL)

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

current trend of consuming fifty times more energy than onecentury ago [18]. Developing countries face the hardest challenge in providing solutions to the increases inelectrical power demand and the tightening of global environmental standards; these challenges canhowever, be overcome with proper planning and adequate participation from governmental and localbodies, companies and academic institutions. The way to approach a solution lies in the integration of renewable energy sources into the existingenergy market, to gradually substitute the conventional power sources, satisfying all electrical energy needsin an affordable, reliable, efficient and sustainable manner. An interconnected system of DistributedGeneration based on renewable energy

Conference Session

Alternative Energy Laboratory Experiences

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Oxana S. Pantchenko, University of California, Santa Cruz; Daniel Scott Tate, University of California, Santa Cruz; Daniel O'Leary, University of California, Santa Cruz; Michael S. Isaacson, University of California, Santa Cruz; Ali DUPE Shakouri

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

, second column shows postquestionnaire average and third column shows final questionnaire average. Moreover, the class consisted of 30students with undeclared majors, 37 students with engineering majors, 53 students with natural sciences majors, and48 majors with social sciences majors.Conclusion and Future WorkOverall, all students in the class showed improvement in learning and understanding conceptsabout renewable energy sources by complementing a theory based lecture with hands onlaboratory experiments. Our future plans include transferring paper based laboratory sheets andassessment to computer based interactive applets. We are hoping to increase the number ofavailable laboratory experiments and cover additional renewable sources that

Conference Session

Sustainable Energy Education

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Faruk Yildiz, Sam Houston State University; Keith L. Coogler, Sam Houston State University; Ayhan Zora, Deere & Company

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

, mechanical integration and modifications, electricalintegration and wiring, design, measurements and instrumentation, welding and aluminumcasting etc. There is currently a hiring process to improve and extend the project due tograduation of senior students. Due to budget considerations students involved in this projectworked either voluntary or enrolling an independent study course. Student feedbacks are verypositive. Especially graduating students commented that why they were not given such extensiveprojects for especially student cannot get internship opportunity. It is planned to offer extensiveprojects on the campus for students who are willing to do internship on campus in near future.Students involved in the project experienced structured

Conference Session

Sustainability, Diversity, and STEM in Contemporary Energy Education

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Randy Dean Kelley, University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown; Amy L. Miller, University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown; Brandon Dooley, Heat Transfer Research, Inc.

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

generation have tended to evolve with thesechanging interests, teaching and research dedicated to the conservation of energy has remainedcomparatively static.From an analytical standpoint, many companies do not possess the in-house knowledge neededto fully assess the impact that simple energy conservation measures can have on their facilities ormanufacturing operations. This knowledge gap can often be bridged when plans for the moreefficient use of energy is correlated directly to monetary savings. Toward this end, theresponsible energy engineer must be fully adept in the appropriate engineering fundamentals andthe associated economics as well.Spurring renewed interest in the development and adoption of both new and existing energyconservation