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Session 1649

Technology-Hospital Collaboration in Thermodynamics

Joe Fuehne, Ph.D., P.E., David Lenart, P.E., MBA

Purdue University School of Technology at Columbus-Southeast Indiana/Columbus Regional Hospital

Abstract

In order to provide a real example of applied thermodynamics, the Purdue School of Technology located in Columbus, Indiana and the Columbus Regional Hospital have agreed to work together to demonstrate and investigate the various thermodynamic systems operating at the hospital.

During a junior-level Applied Thermodynamics class in the spring of 2003, the students were given a tour of the hospital facilities; although no specific projects were attempted using the hospital’s systems. This paper will outline specific projects at the hospital that may be assigned to students to supplement the classroom material. These projects will be presented to the junior-level Applied Thermodynamics class in the fall of 2004.

Quantities such as power, heat flow, energy and efficiency will be explored along with the various thermodynamic cycles utilized throughout the hospital. Pressure, temperature, and volume data will be recorded and compared, especially between heat exchanger components.

Examples of systems to be investigated include the water chiller with its cooling tower and associated air handling capabilities; the boilers, which produce high, medium and low pressure steam for various uses throughout the hospital; the oxygen-delivery system that starts with liquid oxygen and is converted to oxygen gas for patients.

While this look at a real business and its utilization of thermodynamic principles will certainly benefit the students, the hospital facilities’ staff can expect highly detailed reports of their systems including analysis and potentially some recommendations for improvements. These reports may be used by the staff for training and learning activities that might help them understand why the corrective actions specified in their troubleshooting manuals are successful.

Proceedings of the 2004 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2004, American Society for Engineering Education

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Fuehne, J., & Lenart, D. (2004, June), Technology Hospital Collaboration In Thermodynamics Paper presented at 2004 Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah. 10.18260/1-2--14055