Conference Session

Innovative Energy Projects

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert W. Fletcher, Lawrence Technological University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

planning and routing • Settling disputes and resolving conflict • Developing an appreciation for sound decision making and wise leadership • Reading and interpreting requirements, rules and regulations • Understanding the consequences of failureTechnical and Engineering Skills: • The integration of complex mechanical, electrical and software systems • Complex CAD illustrations • Simulation and modeling • Fabrication processes such as welding, bending, cutting, joining and machining • The selection, specification and performance of fasteners • Corrosion prevention and paints • Mold fabrication and fiberglass body construction • Surface preparation and painting • Static structures and dynamic systems • Safety of both

Conference Session

K-12 Experiences in Energy Education

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

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

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

plans to use in hisor her classroom. Second, a problem is defined based on the learning objectives. A problem ofsolar powered flashing light was given to the teacher participants. Small groups of two teacherparticipants worked collaboratively. The team brainstormed and discussed methods to solve theproblem. The faculty member facilitated the learning process and provided consulting to theteacher groups when necessary. Through the group design project, participants demonstrateunderstanding of relevant electric safety issues and increase their ability to design and implementalternative energy systems.Introduction A conceptual framework has been provided to show that professional development ofquality can lead to increases in educators

Conference Session

Energy Education Courses, Labs, and Projects II

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hamid Arastoopour, Illinois Institute of Technology; Mohamed Shahidehpour, Illinois Institute of Technology; Joseph Clair P.E., Illinois Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

Joseph Clair currently serves as the Director of Campus Energy and Sustainability for the Illinois Insti- tute of Technology. In this position, Clair documents and coordinates programs for resource efficiency, environmental protection, and stewardship, while implementing an overall strategic sustainability vision and plan for the Institute. Working cooperatively with students, faculty, and staff, Clair supports the in- genious and tenacious push for true sustainability coming from all aspects of the university. In 16 years in the construction business, Clair has worked as a contractor, designer, construction manager, commis- sioning authority, and now owner, seeing all ends of the building business. In each of these

Conference Session

Projects in Alternative Energy: Wind and Solar

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Reg Recayi Pecen, University of Northern Iowa; Faruk Yildiz, Sam Houston State University; Bekir Z. Yuksek, University of Northern Iowa; Ulan Dakeev, University of Northern Iowa; Kenan Baltaci, University of Northern Iowa

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

. There are also workshops planned for the area STEM teachers as well as localfarmers’ education and training on wind power systems. Previous workshops organized by UNIContinuing and Distance Education have been very successful.Project PurposeThe current 1.5 kW wind-solar hybrid power station at UNI campus that was built in 2002 isnot sufficient due to growing student numbers, increasing interest on wind-solar projects,growing needs on more advanced laboratory activities on renewable energy systems, andemerging requirements of a larger testbed with grid inter-tie and smart grid features. In order toaddress the shortcomings of existing instructional techniques for electrical power systems,controls, wired/wireless instrumentation and data

Conference Session

Projects in Alternative Energy: Wind and Solar

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kamal Sarkar, University of Texas, Pan American; Robert A. Freeman, University of Texas, Pan American; Dean Schneider, Texas Engineering Experiment Station; Ken Starcher, West Texas A&M University; Pam Groce, Texas State Energy Conservation Office

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

, say $150 dollars a month for converting wind energy assuming againno maintenance cost for wind turbine and inflationary cost adjustment for commercial energy.An important step in making a shift in the paradigm from conventional to renewable energy is tointroduce the advantages of the renewable energy to high school students through hands-onexperience. A project plan was developed to build two wind turbines and use them as showcasesto local communities. The most important objective of the plan was to make the high schoolstudents interested in science, engineering, and renewable energy. They were given appropriatetraining about the technology, safety, and project management by the authors. A societalcomponent was also added by identifying

Conference Session

Curriculum and Facility Developments for Innovative Energy Education

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ali Zilouchian, Florida Atlantic University; Amir Abtahi, Florida Atlantic University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

such as Enerfuel Inc., Solar sources and BV Engineering Inc. Excellent working relationships with local governmental units and agencies such as the South Florida Water Management District, USGS, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and various County Planning Offices. Rapidly escalating local job markets highly geared towards alternative energy, environmental analysis, sustainability leadership and planning in South Florida. Ocean energy technologies are emerging as an area of significant R&D at Florida Atlantic University and Florida is at the forefront of this trend7. Inspired by the abundance of this natural resource in the state and by the world-class expertise in the field that has been

Conference Session

Innovative Energy Projects

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Steven R. Walk, Old Dominion University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

” oninstructions sets for colleagues rather than for their own immediate experimentation. Thebenefits and advantages of this procedure, accruing to the students learning and the author‟sdesign philosophy and plans, are discussed below.Fuel Cell Experimentation SystemThe fuel cell experimentation system used was manufactured by h-tec, Wasserstoff-Energie-Systems GmbH (see www.h-tec.com) and included the U102 Stack Experimentation SetComplete (Figure 1.). The system includes apparatus sufficient to complete experiments: aphotovoltaic module (converting light energy to DC electric energy); an electrolyzer (using thephotovoltaic module DC current output, or optional wall-plugged AC/DC power supply output,to separate hydrogen from oxygen in distilled water); a

Conference Session

K-12 Experiences in Energy Education

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mark Vincent Abbott, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Nancy Warter-Perez, California State University, Los Angeles; Eun-Young Kang; Jianyu Dong, California State University, Los Angeles

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

two years working with two different 7th grade math teachers atXX and YY school. In addition to providing in-class hands-on activities, fellows along with their partnerteachers are required to write and publish four lesson plans, conforming to theTeachEngineering.org guidelines.5 Care is taken when writing lesson plans to include sufficientinformation for teachers including connections to engineering/science, background informationfor teachers about both the subject matter and the engineering/science research-related concepts,cost, materials, etc. This is done in an effort to maintain these valuable activities so that anyteacher can re-use them and adapt them to their specific needs. As a result, when the fellow is nolonger available

Conference Session

Curriculum and Facility Developments for Innovative Energy Education

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Radian G. Belu, Drexel University; Irina Nicoleta Ciobanescu Husanu, Drexel University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

generation with near zero pollutantemissions. These generation devices can be used in stand-alone configuration or be connected tothe electric grid. Given the rapid progress in RES development and utilization, there will be agreat need for trained professionals with adequate knowledge in this area to be able to plan,design and operate RES systems, evaluate their performance and impact on power systems towhich they are connected4, 5. On the other hand, electric power systems, transmission anddistribution systems are undergoing rapid changes due to deregulation, the penetration ofdispersed and distributed energy resources (DER), renewable energy generation and powerelectronics technologies, and the adoption of efficient computation, communications and

Conference Session

Innovative Energy Projects

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Alamgir A. Choudhury, Western Michigan University; Jorge Rodriguez P.E., Western Michigan University; Jian Peng He, Western Michigan University; Ryan Kamm; Saleem Hason Hinton; Brandon De Young

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

two semester capstone design projectinvolving design of a product or process, analysis, simulation, prototype, fabrication, assembly,testing and assessment of design. Students are required to utilize current technical tools to solvethe chosen problem. Results of such projects are presented as written report, and publicpresentation of the overall project. They also use project management tools to plan and trackproject progress. Typically in the two semester project, students complete the design andanalysis of the subject in first semester, and fabrication and development of the prototype oractual system during the second semester. Recognizing the value for student practices inresponding to real-world needs, expectations, and constraints

Conference Session

Curriculum and Facility Developments for Innovative Energy Education

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Gilbert, Sinclair Community College

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

examples of each. The student learns thesequantitative procedures in the next sequence of courses. The purpose of this course is to teachthe student to complete a formatted assessment of a commercial building and/or an industrialfacility and list the energy saving opportunities with some knowledge as the amount of energyand dollar savings potential.The course begins covering global energy production and global energy use and known reservesof natural resources. Hubbert peak oil is covered in detail and related to today’s reserves andproduction rates. The solar constant is introduced and compared to the global energy use. Thepotential for renewable energy is studied. Any energy conservation program begins with aneffective energy management plan

Conference Session

Projects in Alternative Energy

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David H. Domermuth, Appalachian State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

villages, and possibly research or remoteoperations. Page 25.1092.2The BV research is being performed in context with a companion project also sponsored by anEPA, P3 grant entitled “Affordable Bioshelter”. The intent is research and promotion of energyefficient greenhouses. The combined grant effort is creating an alternative energy complex calledthe Biotechnology Nexus. BV works symbiotically with the greenhouse as the recipient of heatfor its combined heat and power, CHP function. The greenhouse also will benefit from thebiochar production. Creosote might serve as a natural insecticide. So there are three potentialsymbioses. Plans for the

Conference Session

Energy Education Courses, Labs, and Projects

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Teodora Rutar Shuman, Seattle University; Gregory Mason P.E., Seattle University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

demonstrate the Seebeck and thePeltier effects. Present two experimental plans to the professor. If approved, then set up the twoexperiments. Have them checked by the professor. Once approved, go ahead and run them andgather data.In the next part of this lab you are tasked to design another experiment, but not to actually conductit. This time, you are tasked with measuring the efficiency of the system that powers the fan.Brainstorm with your teammates on how you would do it. The following questions can guide you:What data would you want to gather and explain why? What would you measure in order to get thedesired data? Which devices would you use to do those measurements?Keep in mind that you would need to modify the supplied equipment to make the

Conference Session

Curriculum and Facility Developments for Innovative Energy Education

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

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

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

specialized stabilized 3-phase power supply.Future activities planned for summer and fall 2012 will concentrate on integration of SELmicroprocessor-based relays with lab subsystems and deployment of synchrophasor technology. Page 25.956.8Educational importance and student feedbackDuring the course of the work on the senior design projects using joint Smart Grid laboratory,students reflected on their educational experience:  This project offers a deep understanding of how the micro-grid works, by providing educational knowledge through a theoretical approach, as well as hands on approach working with the equipment directly.  This

Conference Session

Projects in Alternative Energy: Wind and Solar

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Leonel Aguilera, University of Texas, Pan American; Jaime Ramos-Salas P.E., University of Texas, Pan American; Sanjeev Kumar, University of Texas, Pan American

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

; Instituto Tecnologico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey; and Instituto Politcnico Nacional, Mexico.Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, University of Texas, Pan American Sanjeev Kumar, Associate Professor, is active in research, development, and teaching in the areas of computer network security, high-speed internet switching/routing, wireless ad hoc networks, computer architecture, digital logic systems, and smart grid. Before joining UTPA, Kumar worked with the leading networking companies in the United States. In the networking industry, Kumar played a leading role in planning, research, and development of new communications equipment and networks. Kumar has authored more than 50 technical papers. Kumar’s research findings have been

Conference Session

Curriculum and Facility Developments for Innovative Energy Education

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Abul K. M. Azad, Northern Illinois University; Clifford R. Mirman, Northern Illinois University; Avinash Varma Gadiraju; Chester D. Kolodziej, Freedom Field Renewable Energy, Inc.

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

Composite Industries, RockWind LLC, Atometrics Micro- Machining, Wanxiang Energy, and Materials Modification, Inc. His recent peer-review experience in- cludes committees for the 21st Century Jobs Fund for the State of Michigan, the National Science Foun- dation, the Development Capital Network (Phase II), and the Fast Pitch Business Plans for the State of Illinois. He serves on the Board of Directors of three NFPs focused on renewable energy and efficiency technologies, and is a recent graduate of the NREL Golden Colorado’s EnergyExec program. He also consults for the regional economic development agency regarding CleanTech opportunities. Recently he was a speaker at the International Bio Energy Conference in Lidkoping

Conference Session

Projects in Alternative Energy: Wind and Solar

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Faruk Yildiz, Sam Houston State University; Keith L. Coogler, Sam Houston State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

roadway lighting”, Renewable Energy 34 (2009) 1934–1938. journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/renene[15] B.J. Huang, M.S. Wu, P.C. Hsu, J.W. Chen, K.Y. Chen. “Development of high-performance solar LED lighting system”, Energy Conversion and Management 51 (2010) 1669–1675. journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/enconman[16] Rebecca Lee Hill, Kevin M. Curtin. “Solar powered light emitting diode distribution in developing countries: An assessment of potential distribution sites in rural Cambodia using network analyses”, Socio-Economic Planning Sciences 45 (2011) 48e57. journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/seps[17] PAR38 Ultra Bright LED Light Bulb, LEDligt. Accessed January 3, 2012. http://www.ledlight.com

Conference Session

Curriculum and Facility Developments for Innovative Energy Education

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sarma V. Pisupati, Pennsylvania State University, University Park; Yaw D. Yeboah, Pennsylvania State University, University Park

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

State University. Through collaboration andcooperative arrangements with other departments and colleges, and flexibility in the program,science and engineering students at The Pennsylvania State University with special interests inenergy are able to obtain dual or concurrent degrees, minors, options or general education inenergy engineering. The plans for this program were initiated in Fall 2005 and the major was approved to startin Fall 2007. The program is consistent with the University 2006 Energy Task Force report andthe recommendation for the University to “develop an exciting new undergraduate and graduatecurriculum in energy”. The undergraduate program in energy engineering is designed to reflectthe growing impact and demand for

Conference Session

Projects in Alternative Energy

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ahmed H. ElSawy, Tennessee Technological University; George M. Graham P.E., Tennessee Technological University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

tower at arate of 7 gallons per hour. It was planned to have two dry wash filtration towers in order toensure that the maximum amounts of contaminants are removed in a shorter period of time. Thefirst tower is known as the lead tower and the second is known as the lag tower. From the drytowers, the biodiesel is pumped into a holding air tight and sealed tank, where it is ready to usein virtually any diesel engine. Figure 2 shows the drywash filtration towers designed for this purpose. Drywash towers werebuilt from inexpensive 4-inch diameter PVC pipes. Once the drywash media is in the tower, theoperator needs to allow up to 150% expansion of the media, or maximum fill point should onlybe 40-45% of the tower. Because this process is not using

Conference Session

New Concepts for Alternative Energy Courses and Concepts

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kala Meah, York College of Pennsylvania; Phillip Barnett, York College of Pennsylvania; Paul Isaac Deysher, York College of Pennsylvania; K. Vaisakh, Andhra University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

other purposes such as lubricant and creating manmade substanceslike plastics. To join into this effort of producing the future engineers with alternative energy background,a course is developed at York College of Pennsylvania for the undergraduate studies. The objectives ofthis course are to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge reinforced by hands-onexperience. To obtain these objectives, a semester long photovoltaic system project is included in therenewable course. This paper presents the course structure, project report, and student survey of thecourse, as well as plans and expectations for future success. The project report discusses the teamstructure, component selection, system simulation, and experimental results

Conference Session

Energy Education Courses, Labs, and Projects

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Carl J. Spezia, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale; Dwight Harold Thomas Jr.

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

animated presentations, tutorial videos, and video demonstrations help engage studentsand enhance retention of material.2 Planning content structure and pre-recording materialsoutside of normal lecture gives course instructors time to refine presentations improving theirquality. Once recorded, the material can be delivered repeatedly and uniformly every time thecourse is offered. Developing a library of multimedia content for courses expands instructor Page 25.1362.2time since students can review course materials repeatedly whenever and where ever they need.Students are free to interact with the content in a way that best suits their individual

Conference Session

Innovative Energy Projects

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Faruk Yildiz, Sam Houston State University; Keith L. Coogler, Sam Houston State University; Reg Recayi Pecen, University of Northern Iowa

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

ingreenhouse gas emissions. In order to implement renewable energy in projects, qualifiedpersonnel take a very important role in planning and design prior to project implementation.Education and training of workforce who will be involved in the projects is important and shouldbe taken into account when investments are considered to execute projects, so that there will bequalified personnel. In preparing students for their future career, real-world experiences andhands-on training is an important part of their education. Research projects and laboratories areexcellent teaching aids for providing students with opportunities to implement the theory theylearn in class. Educating the younger generations about sustainable and clean energy sources isvital to

Conference Session

Projects in Alternative Energy

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

José Colucci Ríos P.E., University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez; Efrain O'Neill-Carrillo, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez; Miriam del Rosario Fontalvo

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

be discussed separately.Retraining and General Public The general public has different challenges related more to logistics. It should bementioned that the Chem E Sustainable Energy Lab team leader is recognized in Puerto Rico asan expert in Sustainable Energy. At least once a month presentations are delivered toprofessional organizations (50 to 100 attending, engineers and chemists) for continuouseducation credit in the area of Sustainable Energy. An outreach collaboration with a major citybenefitted from their self governance philosophy that allows the organization of Town Hallmeetings with relatively ease. Eleven energy town hall meetings were organized between2009/10 to kickoff a series of demonstrations projects planned for that

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Poster Session

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Nick J. Surface, University of Kansas; Bryan Anthony Strecker, University of Kansas; Jonathan M. S. Mattson, University of Kansas; Christopher D. Depcik

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

”. It is a centrally planned and controlledsystem with relatively little flexibility to fluctuations in energy demand. As the nation and theeconomy becomes increasingly digital, energy demand is growing rapidly. For example, it isestimated that by 2015 around 60% of the total electrical load will be from chip technologies andautomated manufacturing versus 10% of the total in the 1990s 1. While the automotive industry is presently dependent on petroleum sources, the growingpresence of Plug-in Hybrid Electric (PHEV) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) will begin toact as a stress upon the electrical grid by drawing resources during times of peak energy demand.A study from Oak Ridge National Laboratory finds that charging vehicles during off