Conference proceeding
Student Project: Instrumentation and Control of Solar-Powered Algae Bioreactor
Association for Engineering Education - Engineering Library Division Papers
23 Jun 2018
Abstract
The paper presents a senior design project that engages in education research activities to enhance learning in green energy manufacturing, including instrumentation and control of solar energy system for development of efficient solar-powered algae bioreactor. Energy harvesting biofuel systems use a constant amount of energy to monitor and control biofuel production. It is important to produce biofuels efficiently as these systems become much larger and sophisticated. Renewable energy resources improve environmental impact and sustainability. Improving solar cell efficiency through various measurement techniques expands the need for an independent energy harvesting system. Solar cells used to control microcontrollers and numerous system devices must be optimized to run an efficient system. Different coatings/ films were used to determine spectral efficiency through diverse wavelengths. Efficiencies were then compared to controlled wavelengths from a computer-controlled laser light source scanner. The solar cells were common polycrystalline wafers that are available to consumers from online sources. The cells were then tested within an algal continuous flow system to determine effectiveness and efficiency as an energy resource. Solar cells are known to only provide energy during daylight exposure. Another evaluation on fluorescent films/ coatings for the solar cells offered an evaluation to specific wavelength absorption through night emission. Examining such methods provides insight to students of practices towards improving solar cell efficiency through various fluid substances, transparent, and opaque material. For the sake of achieving the student learning outcomes, experiments were conducted, including sensor monitoring and process control. A concluding section discusses the student learning experiences during this project.
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Details
- Title
- Student Project: Instrumentation and Control of Solar-Powered Algae Bioreactor
- Creators
- Richard ChiouMichael MaukTzu-Liang Bill TsengCarlos RuizJean EspaillatSenyu Wang
- Publication Details
- Association for Engineering Education - Engineering Library Division Papers
- Publisher
- American Society for Engineering Education-ASEE
- Resource Type
- Conference proceeding
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Engineering Leadership and Society/Engineering Technology
- Identifiers
- 991020623760104721