Development of Alternative Energy Laboratories in Support of a New Green Concentration in Mechanical Engineering

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Said Dini ◽  
Richard B. Mindek
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Active Learning ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
New England ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Mechanical Engineering ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Engineering Program ◽  
Learning Platform ◽  
Laboratory Facilities

Alternative energy laboratory experiences have been developed to help support a new Green Concentration recently offered for the first time in the mechanical engineering program at Western New England College. These laboratories, which give students hands-on experience and a better understanding of basic concepts in wind energy, solar energy, and fuel cell technology, utilize an improved Alternative Energy Active Learning Platform, as well as newly developed indoor/outdoor Alternative Energy Laboratory facilities. The alternative energy indoor/outdoor laboratory facility includes six 195 Watt photovoltaic panels, a 30,000 Btu/clear day flat-plate solar collectors, a Thermomax evacuated tubes solar collector, as well as a full scale 1 kW wind turbine, whose scale allows for useful power and heat to be provided to the engineering building. This facility will be fully instrumented for the collection of key performance data and allows for large scale demonstration of alternative energy systems to students. Additionally, the improved Alternative Energy Active Learning Platform, which uses wind and solar energy to power an electrolyzer, which disassociates water into hydrogen and oxygen, and then subsequently uses the hydrogen and oxygen produced within a fuel cell to power a fan, has been automated to allow better visualization of each system in operation and more efficient data collection. This paper describes the development, operation and capabilities of both the new indoor/outdoor Alternative Energy Laboratory facilities, and the improved Alternative Energy Active Learning Platform, and their utilization within the Green Concentration of the undergraduate mechanical engineering program.

Development of an Alternative Energy System For Use as an Active Learning Platform

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard B. Mindek ◽  
Aaron F. Rickis ◽  
Said Dini
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Active Learning ◽  
Wind Energy ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Solar Panel ◽  
Learning Platform ◽  
Essential Components

A demonstration system that employs solar and wind energy to power a fuel cell was recently developed as part of a senior capstone design project. This system demonstrates the essential components of a completely renewable hydrogen recovery system. Using the renewable energy produced from a 80-watt photovoltaic solar panel and a 60-watt wind turbine, an electrolyzer, rated at 65 cm3 per minute, disassociates water into its components of hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen and oxygen are then recombined into water by the fuel cell, which produces electricity and releases heat in the process. The electricity is used to power a cooling fan installed in the system. The entire system, which is mounted on a mobile cabinet for easy transportability, and to facilitate outdoor testing, includes a control box to regulate the voltage and current into the electrolyzer, as well as a variable resistance box to test and demonstrate the energy efficiencies of the solar panel, wind turbine, electrolyzer, and fuel cell. It was recently incorporated as part of three separate active learning laboratories within a graduate course on alternative and renewable energy. The laboratories allow students to discover the theoretical and practical application of solar energy, wind energy, and fuel cells. This paper describes the development, operation and capability of the alternative energy demonstration system, as well as its utilization in developing the graduate laboratories. Plans for implementing the system in the undergraduate engineering curriculum are also discussed.

scholarly journals Pemanfaatan Tenaga Surya Pada Photovoltaic Jenis Polycristaline Untuk Catu Daya Tanaman Hidroponik

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-66
Author(s):  
Samsurizal Samsurizal ◽  
Max Teja Aji ◽  
Kartika Tresya M
Keyword(s):  
Energy Source ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Electricity Consumption ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Pump System ◽  
Battery Capacity ◽  
Reduce Electricity Consumption

The use of solar energy today as an alternative energy source continues to be used not only in large scale but also utilized on small scale. The use of solar power as a renewable energy source by converting solar energy into electrical energy, utilizing this technology one of them on technology using hydroponic plant systems. In hydroponic pump system used to consume water and nutrients are usually sourced electricity PLN. With the availability of abundant energy sources certainly help reduce electricity consumption from PLN. The design is done on this research by utilizing solar energy as a power supply to turn on the pumps as well as to drain water and plant nutrients running well. The burden used in this study was 20Watt, to supply the load needs of a PLTS fitted with polycristaline type. The highest irradiation at 12.00 is 666 W/M2 which means that at that time the energy is generated maximally. In the design used with the battery capacity using the VRLA Deep Cycle JS12-12 battery type; 12V 12Ah generated and stored electrical energy can turn the 5-6 hour pump on. 

scholarly journals A Novel Supervisory Command Integration for Large-Scale of a Solar Energy/Fuel Cell/Ultra-capacitor

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 464-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sami Ben Slama ◽  
◽  
Sihem Nasri ◽  
Basam Zafar ◽  
Adnane Cherif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Ultra Capacitor

Logistics for Designing a Recharging Grid for the Hybrid Vehicle System: Part II

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Etim U. Ubong ◽  
Cameron Caufield ◽  
Steven Lathers ◽  
Ricky Gonzalez ◽  
Robert Perzyk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
The Road ◽  
Technology Park ◽  
Parking Lot ◽  
Cell Energy ◽  
System Part ◽  
On The Road ◽  
Infrastructural Support

As the number of hybrid vehicles on the road increases, there is an imminent need for an infrastructural support to make these new acquisitions practicable. This project details the infrastructural design using fuel cell energy from the Technology Park of Kettering University for setting up 10 pilot recharging outlets at the parking lot for the experimental fleet all year round. The Technology Park houses a hydrogen refueling station for a fleet of five buses, fuel cell and solar energy laboratories and various incubators for various alternative energy companies. The current resources at the Center include a 2 kW high temperature HT-PEM produced by GEI, LLC and a GREENLIGHT Test station. The use of solar energy-electrolyzer and fuel cell during the day is also considered for a public parking lot with a capacity of 30 vehicles. The applicable codes and standards regarding such installations are reviewed.

Design and Modeling of an Integrated CHP System With Solar Hydrogen/Methane Fueled PEM Fuel Cell for Residential Applications

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hajar Amirian ◽  
Farid Sayedin ◽  
Azadeh Maroufmashat
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Unit Cost ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Total Annual Cost ◽  
Cell Efficiency

This paper describes the designing and evaluation of an alternative energy system which consists of PEMFC, PV, PEM electrolyser, methane reformer and hydrogen tank. In order to find out the minimum capacity of the components, a system sizing model is developed in MATLAB based on meteorological and electrical demand data. Three scenarios are considered based on different combinations of solar energy and fossil fuel energy as energy resources. The heating energy produced by the fuel cell is recovered for supplying domestic hot water while the system would supply electrical energy. Results show that system sizing strongly depends on scenarios and unit cost of electricity decreases through the reduction of solar energy contribution in scenarios. CHP analysis indicates that the overall energy efficiency and fuel cell efficiency are increased approximately 3.4% and 40% respectively. Furthermore, the cost benefit ratio of using the fuel cell heat is equivalent to 25% of the total annual cost of the electricity.

A Review of Various Nanostructures to Enhance the Efficiency of Solar-Photon-Conversions

2015 ◽  
pp. 277-312
Author(s):  
S. A. Akhoon ◽  
S. Rubab ◽  
M. A. Shah
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Energy Harvesting ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
Electron Collection ◽  
Solar Hydrogen Production ◽  
Cost Efficient

The problem of dwindling energy can be attributed to the rapidly increasing worldwide energy demand, leading to an urgent need for alternative energy-harvesting technologies to sustain the economic growth by maintaining our appetite for energy. Among them, solar-energy-harvesting is most promising, and the huge demand for clean, cost-effective, and cost-efficient energy can be met by solar energy. The large-scale solar energy utilization has not become practical because of the high cost and inadequate efficiencies of the current solar-energy-conversions. Nanotechnology offers tools to develop cost-effective and cost-efficient technologies for solar-energy conversions. Nanostructures, such as nanowires, nanopillars, nanodomes, nanorods, quatumdots, nanoparticles, etc., facilitate photon absorption, electron transport, and electron collection properties of the solar-energy-conversion devices. This review specifically summarizes the contribution of the nanotechnology to photovoltaics, dye-sensitive solar cells, quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells, and solar hydrogen production devices.

A Review of Various Nanostructures to Enhance the Efficiency of Solar-Photon-Conversions

2017 ◽  
pp. 197-225
Author(s):  
S. A. Akhoon ◽  
S. Rubab ◽  
M. A. Shah
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Energy Harvesting ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
Electron Collection ◽  
Solar Hydrogen Production ◽  
Cost Efficient

The problem of dwindling energy can be attributed to the rapidly increasing worldwide energy demand, leading to an urgent need for alternative energy-harvesting technologies to sustain the economic growth by maintaining our appetite for energy. Among them, solar-energy-harvesting is most promising, and the huge demand for clean, cost-effective, and cost-efficient energy can be met by solar energy. The large-scale solar energy utilization has not become practical because of the high cost and inadequate efficiencies of the current solar-energy-conversions. Nanotechnology offers tools to develop cost-effective and cost-efficient technologies for solar-energy conversions. Nanostructures, such as nanowires, nanopillars, nanodomes, nanorods, quatumdots, nanoparticles, etc., facilitate photon absorption, electron transport, and electron collection properties of the solar-energy-conversion devices. This review specifically summarizes the contribution of the nanotechnology to photovoltaics, dye-sensitive solar cells, quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells, and solar hydrogen production devices.

Embedding active learning and design-based projects in a noise and vibration course for the undergraduate mechanical engineering program

2020 ◽  
pp. 030641902092059
Author(s):  
Na Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Active Learning ◽  
Mechanical Engineering ◽  
Undergraduate Level ◽  
Noise And Vibration ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Algebra Students ◽  
Engineering Program ◽  
Noise Vibration ◽  
Content Design

The content of noise, vibration, and harshness is an important part of the undergraduate mechanical engineering program education to prepare students ready for their future career, and it has received great attention from educators. Since course content in noise, vibration, and harshness usually requires more mathematical background knowledge and skills such as problem-solving in differential equations and linear algebra, students at the undergraduate level usually experience difficulty in the problem-solving work in noise, vibration, and harshness, though they have already completed the pre-requisite mathematics courses. In this paper, a new schedule and course content design for noise and vibration courses are introduced. By embedding active learning and design during projects, the students were able to obtain a better understanding of the concept of acoustics and vibration, as well as applying the knowledge from lectures to labs so they can connect the learning to real-world applications. Four projects are introduced and explained. To evaluate the effectiveness of the course, student outcomes are assessed and discussed.

Perlaksanaan Kaedah Pembelajaran Berasaskan Projek dalam Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran Kaedah Fiqh

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 14-23
Author(s):  
Mohd Aderi Che Noh ◽  
Normurni Mohamad ◽  
Adibah Hasanah Abd Halim ◽  
Absha Atiah Abu Bakar
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Mechanical Engineering ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Narrative Form ◽  
Learning Methods ◽  
Engineering Program ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
Interview Methods

This study aims to see the implementation of project based learning methods (PBL) implemented by lecturers in the Science, Technology and Engineering P&P processes in Islam as an effort to enhance students' understanding in the Fiqh Method. Respondents in this study were students of second semester, Diploma of Mechanical Engineering program, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politeknik Banting. Observation and interview methods are used for data collection purposes. The data were analyzed descriptively and presented in narrative form. The findings show that PBL activity is a fun and enjoyable P&P activity for students. Abstrak Kajian  ini  bertujuan  untuk  melihat  perlaksanaan  kaedah  pembelajaran  berasaskan  projek  (PBL)  yang dilaksanakan  oleh  pensyarah  dalam  proses  P&P Sains,  Teknologi  dan  kejuruteraan  dalam  Islam  sebagai usaha  meningkatkan  kefahaman  pelajar  pelajar  dalam  tajuk  Kaedah Fiqh.  Responden  dalam  kajian  ini adalah   terdiri   daripada   pelajar   semester   dua   progran   Diploma   Kejuruteraan   Mekanikal,   Jabatan Kejuruteraan  Mekanikal,  Politeknik  Banting.  Kaedah  pemerhatian  dan  temu  bual  digunakan  bagi  tujuan pengutipan data. Data dianalisis secara deskriptif dan dipersembahkan dalam bentuk naratif. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan aktiviti PBL merupakan aktiviti P&P yang disukai dan menyeronokkan bagi para pelajar.

Reaction-based Enumeration, Active Learning, and Free Energy Calculations to Rapidly Explore Synthetically Tractable Chemical Space and Optimize Potency of Cyclin Dependent Kinase 2 Inhibitors

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle Konze ◽  
Pieter Bos ◽  
Markus Dahlgren ◽  
Karl Leswing ◽  
Ivan Tubert-Brohman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Free Energy ◽  
Drug Discovery ◽  
Active Learning ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Chemical Space ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Free Energy Calculations ◽  
Computational Technique ◽  
Cyclin Dependent Kinase ◽  
Energy Calculations

We report a new computational technique, PathFinder, that uses retrosynthetic analysis followed by combinatorial synthesis to generate novel compounds in synthetically accessible chemical space. Coupling PathFinder with active learning and cloud-based free energy calculations allows for large-scale potency predictions of compounds on a timescale that impacts drug discovery. The process is further accelerated by using a combination of population-based statistics and active learning techniques. Using this approach, we rapidly optimized R-groups and core hops for inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinase 2. We explored greater than 300 thousand ideas and identified 35 ligands with diverse commercially available R-groups and a predicted IC<sub>50</sub> < 100 nM, and four unique cores with a predicted IC<sub>50</sub> < 100 nM. The rapid turnaround time, and scale of chemical exploration, suggests that this is a useful approach to accelerate the discovery of novel chemical matter in drug discovery campaigns.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document