Development of a teaching tool: the Texaco energy systems laboratory at Penn State

The importance of developing improved teaching tools for design of thermal systems has been recognized at Penn State University, USA. This paper describes an undergraduate energy systems laboratory to be implemented at the Mechanical Engineering Department, under primary sponsorship from Texaco, NSF and internal matching funds. This lab will be implemented by judicious selection of test stands allowing the students to experiment with actual machines. Three test stands have been procured in order to allow the students to exercise and reinforce the theoretical knowledge acquired in the thermal courses, and to appreciate the comprehensive nature of design activities. The authors plan to have an internal combustion engine, a steam Rankine cycle and a refrigeration system. Other issues illustrating the integrating nature of the design activity, such as considerations of vibration, noise, fatigue, material selection and environmental compliance will also be addressed as the laboratory develops