Conference proceeding
Undergraduate Freshman Developing Advanced Research Project: Learn-by-Discovery Module to Investigate Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation Principles
Association for Engineering Education - Engineering Library Division Papers
23 Jun 2018
Abstract
STEM has been a heavily invested topic within school curricula. A persistent problem with science, technology and engineering related efforts is the ever-burdening costs of the student laboratory experiments. Also, the space associated with laboratory activities, from storage to laboratory to waste removal is constant deterrent for integration of new projects in the curricula. Therefore theory becomes more and more disconnected from its applications. It is important to have cost efficient modules available to integrate real-life applications into theoretical traditional lectures. Over the years several methods have been employed to enhance student learning and increase student exposure to competency-based education. These methods range from multimedia developments, problem-based and project based learning, collaborative learning and cooperative education. A diverse number of published papers emphasized algorithms of improving student understanding and concept retention in thermal-fluid sciences type of courses, calling attention to the important role of learning-by-discovery approach. We describe a freshman student’s project development as well as the subsequent learning modules developed for a variety of sophomore to pre-junior courses in thermal-fluid sciences and also in courses related to teaching fundamentals of renewable energy sources. The assessment of the implementation of some of the experimental activities during the first year is presented. Experiential activities will be described in such detail, so they can be replicated by any interested program or instructor, including a clear alignment of the Student Learning Objectives with measurable course assessment and evaluation tools and methods. The project was created by a mechanical engineering freshman student within the university’s STAR (Students Tackling Advanced Research) scholars program, under the guidance and mentorship of one of the authors and faculty with Engineering Technology Department. This program is designed to attract young creative minds in their first-year to participate in faculty-mentored innovative or creative work or research during the summer after their freshman year. The project developed involved a dual air and water system, using motor and pump as well as appropriate instrumentation to measure desired parameters in order to estimate and quantify energy and subsequently efficiency of the subsystems or components. The student developed competencies in the area of analytical modeling, CAD 3D modeling to simulate final design assembly, additive manufacturing, and system integration. Student also explored concepts from fluid mechanics and thermodynamics while performing research. The objective was to create a system capable of capturing energy transfer and conversion between two coupled fluid systems. The total cost of the system was less than $800 to create, while sophisticated educational experimental setups normally cost upwards of $1,500. With this assembly, educational institutions could replicate similar experimental modules that are efficient and cost effective. Learning modules provide an enhancement to student learning outcomes as students become engaged to understanding the physical system and its functionality that may not appear clearly on paper. This project was successfully completed and analyzed for data collection through thermal imaging, strobe tachometer, integrated thermocouples, flow meters, and pressure gauges within the subsystems.
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Details
- Title
- Undergraduate Freshman Developing Advanced Research Project: Learn-by-Discovery Module to Investigate Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation Principles
- Creators
- Irina Nicoleta Ciobanescu HusanuCarlos RuizBenjamin CohenSarah Andrieux
- 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
- 991019222532904721