Wind energy lab module for mechanical engineering undergraduate curricula

• Autores: Everett Sheble, Steffen Bickle, Carlos H. Hidrovo
• Localización: The International journal of engineering education, ISSN-e 0949-149X, Vol. 29, no. 5, 2013, págs. 1294-1308
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • This paper describes the development and implementation of a project-oriented undergraduate-level fluid mechanics laboratoryexperiment centered on evaluating the performance of a scale-model wind turbine. It seeks to provide a road map for educatorswho wish to use the material within their engineering curricula, and to demonstrate that material’s effectiveness. Technical conceptsexplored include power and energy, wind turbine theory and practice, dimensional analysis, scientific uncertainty and engineeringmeasurement. Instructions for assembling the laboratory set-up are included, along with examples of results obtained byundergraduate students performing the experiment at the Mechanical Engineering Department of The University of Texas atAustin in the Spring 2013 semester. Students’ proficiency was measured via pre- and post-project examination. Students were alsoinvited to complete a survey to provide feedback on their experience of completing the lab. Results of the examinations and surveyswere mostly positive, with excellent improvement in a broad range of tested competencies and high levels of student satisfaction.Methods for addressing the areas that need improvement are discussed, in particular the content on dimensional analysis andscientific uncertainty.