Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 3

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Roxana Maria Melendez-Norona, Florida Atlantic University; Maria Mercedes Larrondo-Petrie, Florida Atlantic University; Eduardo David Sagredo Asesor, Ministerio Energia y Minas Dom. Rep.

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Diversity

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Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

specially using real dataset. Also, in a post-pandemic scenario, the design and implementation of MOOCs became a valuable tool to reachstudents and professionals around the world. This paper focuses on the description of theelements associated with the design of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on MicrogridState Estimation, Optimization and Cybersecurity as well as the presentation of the generalitiesrelated to MATLAB simulations that will be part of the MOOC. For the present study, thesimulations for cybersecurity cover the utilization of real dataset associated with the electricalpower system of the Dominican Republic by means of deep learning tools offered by theMATLAB software. All this relevant research work has been funded by the

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 1

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jude Okolie, University of Oklahoma ; Emma Kadence Smith, University of Oklahoma

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Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

spreadsheet activity lies in introducing fundamental concepts of capital expenditures(CAPEX), operational expenditures (OPEX), and optimal location selection. The game promptsusers to consider trade-offs and the importance of various selection factors, such as hydrocarbonreserves, proximity to infrastructure, socioeconomic impacts, and environmental impacts. Figure2 showcases the location selection aspect where users must consider various factors to choose theoptimal operation site. This activity encourages users to think critically about non-optimalconditions that may arise in real-world engineering scenarios. Through the “word puzzle”structure, learners are challenged to find optimal solutions to these challenges, emphasizing theneed for thoughtful

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Poster Session

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mohammad Abu Rafe Biswas, The University of Texas at Tyler; Aaditya Khanal, The University of Texas at Tyler; Prabha Sundaravadivel, The University of Texas at Tyler

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

-100, excellent) and B (80 -89, good) due to the assignment being to gauge their basic understandingand application of examples related to ML. Most of them were able to complete the assignmentsuccessfully. A few students failed to submit the completed assignments.Figure 2 shows the boxplot of the instructor’s evaluation of the student projects and homework assignmentsfor MENG 5330. The students did consistently well for a specific given problem from an assignment titledHW5 Empirical Modeling Problems by achieving a grade of A on average. However, the students did notperform as well for the project where they had to incorporate into a real-world problem. This seems to bechallenging for them. However, there was one set of students who did an

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 3

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Anveeksh Koneru, University of Texas of the Permian Basin

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

unique teaching approach.The course is taught through problems that involve design and analysis, individual and groupprojects, and industry guest speakers. The application of these concepts to real-world scenariosprovides students with a better understanding of the subject matter. The course also includes anethics component to meet one of the ABET requirements.Throughout the course, students are exposed to a variety of topics related to energy conversion.These topics include the application of regeneration, reheating in boilers to solve complexproblems related to setting up a steam power plant, analysis of jet engines and gas turbines, andapplication of sunlight for chemical energy conversion and storage through hydrogen production.Additionally

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Poster Session

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Salvador A. Vargas, California State University, Bakersfield; Daniel Torres, California State University, Bakersfield; Alberto Cureg Cruz, California State University, Bakersfield

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Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

. There have been attempts to integrate neural networks into theoil and gas industry since the 1990s [5] [6], although in those times the algorithms and the imagequality required for our experiments were inadequate, until now. Our early experimental resultsare promising, with the neural networks returning an average final accuracy of 85% forultraviolet light images, and 78% for white light images. Its important to note that this level ofaccuracy can not be replicated by a human core analyst using only images. We present a method for integrating Project-Based Learning (PBL) in seniorproject/capstone experiences [7]. Conventionally, students select a project and implement it as amock-up or trial of a real-world product. PBL is a student

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 2

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Bala Maheswaran, Northeastern University; Dylan Brady Wolter, Northeastern University ; Julia Ariano; Gabriella Marie Green

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

applied to our final project. For example, the code used to project the voltage readings ontothe Arduino screen was a modified version of a code we analyzed in class. Real-life application ofthe lessons taught in class allowed for a richer understanding of the engineering concepts neededfor a successful future. The SeaVolt turbine is a direct application of the lessons we learned inclass and encouraged us to engage with a real-world engineering issue. Furthermore, theprogression and creation of the turbine is an example of how experiential learning can often bemore effective than other pedagogical methodologies.[8]Methods and ApproachFor the final project in our Intro to Engineering class, the class was tasked with designing a productthat would

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 2

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jason Andrew Roney, University of Denver

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Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

skills that arevaluable in addressing complex real-world challenges in any engineering field. When studentsstudy the impact of different energy sources on the environment, they may conclude thatsustainable alternatives such as renewable energy are more viable. Likewise, exposing studentsto cutting-edge technologies fosters innovation in the field, since the field of energy is constantlyevolving, with new technologies emerging to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, andharness renewable energy sources.Coming from an industry position, and having attended a few pedogeological workshops, I wascertain that the route to engaging the students was to engage them in Project Based Learning(PBL) and Experiential Learning (EL) [1], [2]. At the same

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 3

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hua Chai, University of New South Wales; Huiye Yu, University of New South Wales; Kuthsav Thattai, University of New South Wales; Jayashri Ravishankar, University of New South Wales

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Diversity

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Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

become experts in the use of PSCAD software by the endof this course. The soon-to-be graduates (i.e., students who are approaching the end of theundergraduate and postgraduate program), who will be potentially employed in the energysector, can enhance their technical skills and knowledge base after completing the training.Their awareness of the power system industry can be raised through lectures, hands-onpractices, as well as exposure to real-world projects in the energy sector. Professionals whohave been working in the electric power industry may also benefit from the course by adaptingtheir focus to comply with the up-to-date industry trend.4. Data Collection4.1. Participants For the first run, 32 participants attended the short course

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 3

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hua Chai, University of New South Wales ; Jayashri Ravishankar, University of New South Wales; Inmaculada Tomeo-Reyes, University of New South Wales

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

bring practical, industry-relevant challenges into the classroom, allowing students to work on issues that professionals in the field are currently facing, thereby enhancing the practical applicability of their learning.Barriers • Slow curriculum update processes refer to the lag in updating educational content to reflect the rapid changes occurring within the industry, which can leave graduates underprepared for current professional environments. • Inadequate resources to simulate real-world scenarios denote the lack of tools, equipment, and software necessary to accurately recreate and study real-world industry scenarios within an educational setting

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 2

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Giselle S. Veach, University of Idaho; Herbert L. Hess, University of Idaho

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Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

learn in a real scenario. As in languages andmany other disciplines, this is also true in engineering. If an understanding of the behavior ofmaterials is critical to a scholar’s whole understanding of the physical world, necessary todevelop better systems and further innovate within their fields, then it is important that scholarscan learn that information through real application. It is for this reason that the development andtesting of this process by a graduate and undergraduate team of students would be of value in aneducational setting. By applying first principles, the scientific method, critical thinking, andproblem-solving skills to this process, students will learn to analyze and evaluate previous workas a starting point to create new

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 3

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert J. Kerestes, University of Pittsburgh; Renee M. Clark, University of Pittsburgh

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Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

developing cases that were both interesting and applicableto the counterparts from each company. Each of the cases was presented to the students with acase theme, case owners, overview, and a demonstration of a real world application. Thesecases served as the basis for the R&D research proposal for a sustainable energy project that theteams were to ultimately submit.The students worked with the industry partners for their respective cases to finalize theirsolutions. This included independently reaching out to the industry partners to communicate viaemail and set up virtual teleconferences.3.3 Project CasesThe information presented to the students on the cases is detailed below:Case 1 - GenerationCase Owners: US Industry Partner 1 & DK

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 1

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Joseph Ranalli, Pennsylvania State University Hazleton

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

focus on alternative energy and power generation. Thisprogram had its first graduates in 2014. Since then, we have undergone a continual growthprocess for Capstone Design, consisting of efforts to better integrate real-world projects that havea strong alternative energy focus and that can prepare graduates to work in the renewable energysector. In the 2022/2023 school year, capstone faculty became aware of the US Department ofEnergy Solar District Cup [7], [8] competition and went through a process to integrate thiscompetition into the program's Capstone Design. Several challenges were encountered during theprocess, leading to the goal of this paper: to share an overview of faculty experiences integratingthis competition into Capstone Design

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 3

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

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

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

integration.Aside from lectures, the course relies heavily on project-based learning. The students are dividedinto teams to propose, design, and implement realistic, hands-on projects. When there is anopportunity for a large-scale project such as Project 1 discussed in this paper, the entire classparticipates with sub-disciplines organized around a specialty such as structural design or electricalinterconnect of solar energy with the local utility. Safety and NEC (National Electrical Code)compliance are also discussed to satisfy course objectives. In summary, the class project ismanaged to mirror real world project implementation treating the class as design-build entity andsub-groups as sub-contractors. During the implementation phase of the project, the

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 2

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Antony Kinyua, Morgan State University; Ezana Negusse; Richard Damoah; Maajida Murdock; Oludare Adegbola Owolabi P.E., Morgan State University; Jonathan Wilson, Morgan State University

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Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

school minority students. tion virtual labs to provide students real vi. Captivate the public; highlight the many world/near world practical experiences in work- benefits that nuclear technology brings to peo- ing with various nuclear technologies. ple’s lives every day; drive enthusiasm for nu- vi. Facilitate attainment of some of the objectives clear technology through K-16 STEM educa- of the American Nuclear Society (ANS). tion; make nuclear science and technology cur

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 1

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ryan Thomas Flynn; Caleb Holdridge; Alexandra Murphy; Jacquelyn Autumn Carter; Sarah Schollenberger; Tooran Emami Ph.D., United States Coast Guard Academy

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

constructed similarly, utilizing the Tenergy battery, an Arduino Uno, andvoltage and current sensors. The difference is that when the battery was being charged, a DCpower supply was utilized to make the battery the load, and when the battery was discharging, aDC motor was utilized to draw power and act as the load. The Arduino sensors read the battery'soutput data into MATLAB, which collected the data and plotted the voltage and current of thebattery over time.In real-time, a plot of the current and voltage readings from the Arduino microcontroller isgenerated. While the code runs, the plot continually updates to display the elapsed time andpresent current and voltage outputs. Once the code stops, the plot closes and can be saved.Sample plots of the

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Poster Session

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Nisaka Munasinghe, University of New South Wales; Hua Chai, University of New South Wales; Jayashri Ravishankar, UNSW Sydney

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Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

creating courses that teach students how to buildand implement such technologies. It could be argued that the emphasis on solar energy-relatedcontent in the curricula has been a recent development, with a noticeable increase in attentionover the past two decades. From the example above, it is clear that a lack of awareness is a barrier to education. Otherbarriers include: • Shortage of qualified teaching staff with expertise and relevant experience in developing effective teaching materials in renewable-dominated power systems, • Insufficient inclusion of energy policies in power engineering curricula, creating difficulty in understanding real-world applications of renewable energy systems and • Personal values, attitudes