Conference proceeding
Miniature Low-Cost Desktop Learning Modules for Multi-Disciplinary Engineering Process Applications
Association for Engineering Education - Engineering Library Division Papers, p.26.1155.1
06/14/2015
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/120892
Abstract
To transform the STEM learning environment and make it more effective, exciting andexperimental, hands on learning needs to be implemented in the classroom. This is the long termgoal in a set of NSF projects, one a new IUSE project and a continuing TUES/CCLI enhancedthrough a USAID/NSF PEER and TUES supplement. The objectives are to build anddisseminate light weight, low-cost Desktop Learning Modules (DLMs), with interchangeablefluid mechanics, heat transfer and biomass conversion cartridges. Studying the impact of theseDLMs is crucial to the success of this research to determine educational effectiveness. TheTUES laid a foundation resulting in a marketed technology while the IUSE seeks to extend thetechnology to an ultra-low-cost format through design for manufacture with 3D printing andvacuforming. Assessment strategies are being refined, from pre-/posttest written explanationsand a more subjective grading rubric, to a clicker-based short answer assessment. The DLMs arebeing implemented at universities, community colleges and high schools.DLM cartridge options are being expanded to include biofuels options. However, gasification ishighly exothermic resulting in high temperatures that can create high pressure if gases areconfined in small spaces. Therefore the biogasifier DLM design requires special considerationsand safety specifications so class demonstrations do not pose risks for students and instructors.Considerations include gasifier placement into a polycarbonate shielded container for easyvisualization, reducing reactor size to mm-diameter quartz tubes to limit total thermal energy,directed thermal heating through electrical resistance wires, and providing unique conversionmeasurement means such as a small syringe cylinder unit that expands to read volumes ofreaction gases while holding pressures at near atmospheric levels. Syngas cleanup will beaccomplished by passing products through a fiberglass filter to reduce tar, bubbling through oliveoil to remove remaining tar and cool the gas stream, absorption of acidic CO2 and H2S gases inmono-ethanol amine, and collecting final product gas in the syringe. Gas production fromspecified products will be pre-determined through GC analysis and relating conversion to finalgas volumes, after knowing reaction conditions, and nature of side-product removal processes.To make such systems relevant to educating students about gasifier design in resource limitedenvironments the team is working with a Nigerian university and Nigerian national researchinstitute. This enhances the education of US students by providing experiences with atransnational collaborative team.
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Details
- Title
- Miniature Low-Cost Desktop Learning Modules for Multi-Disciplinary Engineering Process Applications
- Creators
- Serah Wambui NjauBernard J. Van WieJacqueline Burgher GartnerPaul B GolterRobert F. Richards - Washington State University, Mechanical and Materials Engineering, School ofCecilia Dianne Richards - Washington State University, Mechanical and Materials Engineering, School ofFanhe Shamus MengOlusola O Adesope - Washington State University, Teaching and Learning, Department ofNathaniel HunsuNegar BeheshtipourPrashanta Dutta - Washington State University, Mechanical and Materials Engineering, School ofDavid B. Thiessen - Washington State University, Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, School ofAmber DeAnn GravietArshan Nazempour
- Publication Details
- Association for Engineering Education - Engineering Library Division Papers, p.26.1155.1
- Academic Unit
- Education, College of
- Publisher
- American Society for Engineering Education-ASEE
- Identifiers
- 99900606952301842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Conference proceeding