An Internet-based remote laboratory for control education

There is a need for multiphysics simulation in undergraduate electrical engineering curricula, however, many programs do not include this at the undergraduate level.This paper discusses the integration of multiphysics simulation into an undergraduate curriculum at the University of Pittsburgh for the purposes of educational enhancement and undergraduate research.In this paper, we will discuss an internal grant award that was used to fund 60 student licenses of COMSOL Multiphysics to enhance the electrical engineering curriculum in the aforementioned manner.This is done over the course of three major objectives.First, several modules that were developed over the summer of 2020 as part of a student special project.An undergraduate ECE student at the University of Pittsburgh developed a series of interactive modules which will have a video component to instruct junior electrical engineering students on how to use COMSOL Multiphysics as part of their required electromagnetics course.In these modules, students will learn about device geometry, material properties, simulations meshes, and simulation methods.Students will learn how to model energy storage devices such as parallel plate capacitors and energy transmission devices such as cylindrical conductors.The second major objective is undergraduate research.In this paper, an undergraduate research project which took place over the summer of 2020 at the University of Pittsburgh as part of the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation's undergraduate research program, will be discussed.In this project, undergraduate student researcher modeled an aluminum conductor, steel reinforced, transmission line conductor to verify its resistance, inductance, and capacitance.This model will be the basis for artificial intelligence application training of transmission line measurements.The third major objective is to integrate this multiphysics tool into a junior level semiconductor device theory course and a senior level applications of fields and waves course.These courses have traditionally given students' difficulties due to the abstract and "hard to visualize" nature of the course.The implementation of COMSOL into these courses is discussed.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) issued a grant to support the formation of a national consortium of universities and industries. The mission of the consortium is to coordinate independent efforts of the member universities to update the engineering and applied sciences curricula for the 1980's. Shortly after its formation, the consortium recommended that industry "encourage the development of joint research projects with universities." In the spirit of the consortium, but independent of its funding, the General Electric Company (GE) designed, organized, and hosted a workshop that included professors from a number of engineering universities in the northeast and several GE educational specialists. Their objective was to define "Computer Requirements for Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Curricula." Since most university faculty are reluctant to change their legitimate area...curriculum, it is significant that the GE-hosted group arrived at a consensus. The proceedings which are presented here outline the approach used in the workshop and the results. These proceedings were reviewed by a member of the NSF consortium, who found them commendable and right on track with the spirit and effort of the consortium.

Authors

Click to increase image sizeClick to decrease image size Additional informationNotes on contributorsCharles W. BagnalCharles W. Bagnal Jr. (BS, nuclear engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1980) is a consulting engineer at GRP Consulting, Inc., currently engaged in reactor physics methods development and nuclear engineering support services. He has been involved in nuclear reactor design analysis and software development for six years. His experience includes advanced light water reactor (LWR) and heavy water reactor designs, including extended burnup fuel cycles using gadolinia burnable poison.Gerard P. CavanaughGerard P. Cavanaugh (BS, physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1969; MS, 1970, and PhD, 1976, nuclear engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign) worked from 1973 to 1975 in the Neutronics Physics Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He is currently supervisor of radiation physics and criticality analysis at Combustion Engineering, Inc. (C-E). His primary technical interests are in the areas of radiation transport, stochastic sampling methodologies, and computer applications ranging from mainframes to personal computers.Robert P. HarrisRobert P. Harris (BS, 1974, and MS, 1975, nuclear engineering, and MS, 1984, metallurgy, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) has worked in the core design, safety analysis, and licensing of C-E pressurized water reactors since 1973. He is currently involved in the neutronic design of advanced burnable poisons and fuel assemblies. He consults in the areas of core fuel management, safety analysis, and startup physics testing.Regis A. MatzieRegis A. Matzie (BS, physics, U.S. Naval Academy, 1965; MS, 1971, and PhD, 1976, nuclear engineering, Stanford University) is currently the manager of analog plants in the nuclear engineering department at C-E. His current technical interests include advanced LWR designs, methods of improving fuel utilization and fuel cycle costs in current design LWRs, and alternate fuel cycles for advanced converter reactors.Laszlo B. TarkoLaszlo B. Tarko (BS, physics, University of Connecticut, 1980) is currently the lead engineer in the radiation physics group at C-E. His current technical interests include radiation transport, ex-core radiation physics, dose rates, energy deposition, and associated computer techniques.Howard OckenHoward Ocken (D. Eng., metallurgy, Yale University, 1966) is a project manager in the Nuclear Power Division of the Electric Power Research Institute. He has managed projects that addressed materials performance in nuclear core components. His current interests include materials aspects associated with reducing radiation fields, especially replacing cobalt sources and decontamination and preconditioning technology.Per Hedemann JensenPer Hedemann Jensen (BSc, electronic engineering, Technical University, Aarhus, Denmark, 1970) is a senior health physicist at Ris0 National Laboratory, where he is head of the Section for Applied Health Physics. He has been involved in studies of radiological consequences from hypothetical core-melt accidents at nuclear power plants. His current technical interest is experimental work on internal dosimetry problems.Ian J. HastingsIan J. Hastings (PhD, metallurgical science, University of Queensland, 1968) is head of the Fuel Properties and Behaviour Group in the Fuel Materials Branch at the Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories (CRNL) of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited. His current interests are in oxide fuel behavior under irradiation, particularly release of short-lived fission products under normal and accident conditions, and in fusion ceramics.Elio MizzanElio Mizzan (BA Sc, chemical engineering, University of Toronto, 1949) is a supervisor at the Fuel Materials Branch Hot Cell Facility at CRNL. His interests have been in the areas of postirradiation examination of reactor fuels and materials, particularly postdefect handling of spent U02 fuel.Alan M. RossAlan M. Ross (BSc, general, University of London, 1953) is a supervisor at the Recycle Fuel Fabrication Laboratories of the Fuel Materials Branch of CRNL. His interests include the fabrication, nondestructive assay, properties, irradiation behavior, and neutron radiography of current and advanced thermal reactor fuels.John R. KelmJohn R. Kelm is a research technician in the Fuel Materials Branch at CRNL. His research responsibility is the operation of a special project hot cell. His current interest is U02 oxidation and stress corrosion cracking.Real J. ChenierReal J. Chenier is a research technician in the Fuel Materials Branch at CRNL. His current research responsibility is operation of the postirradiation metallographic facilities.D. H. RoseD. H. Rose is a research technologist in the Fuel Properties and Behaviour Group of the Fuel Materials Branch at CRNL. His current responsibility is fabrication and operation of instrumented in-reactor experiments.J. NovakJ. Novak (BASc, engineering science, University of Toronto, 1974) is employed in Central Nuclear Services, Nuclear Generation Division of Ontario Hydro. Since 1976 he has been engaged in the areas of nuclear fuel production and development. His current technical interests include behavior of irradiated fuel in air, U02 powder characteristics, and fuel performance improvement.Claudio RonchiClaudio Ronchi (Dr. rer. nat. phys., State University, Milan, Italy, 1965) is a research officer at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the Commission of European Communities. After having worked in the research and development of advanced fuels for fast breeders, he is now engaged in reactor safety studies.Jacques van de LaarJacques van de Laar (Ingenieur Fysische Techniek, H.T.S., Heerlen, The Netherlands, 1974) works in thec mathematical modeling department of JRC-Karlsruhe. He is currently involved in the development and execution of computer programs for reactor fuel performance and safety analysis.Hubert BlankHubert Blank (PhD, metal physics, Technical University of Stuttgart, 1957), head of the Physics Division of the European Institute for Transuranium Elements, Karlsruhe, has directed the “Swelling of Advanced Fuels” project at this institute since 1973.Tetsuo FukasawaTetsuo Fukasawa (BS, 1976; MS, 1978; and Dr. Eng., 1981, nuclear engineering, Tohoku University) is a researcher in the Energy Research Laboratory (ERL), Hitachi, Ltd. He has specialized in the radiochemistry of actinide elements and is currently working in the field of low-level radioactive waste treatment and spent fuel reprocessing.Koichi ChinoKoichi Chino (BS, 1972, and MS, 1974, mechanical engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology) is a researcher at ERL. His primary areas of interest are transport phenomena and radioactive waste management.Osamu KuriyamaOsamu Kuriyama (BS, 1973, and MS, 1975, Tohoku University) is a researcher at ERL. His current interests include the radioactive waste management and chemistry of nuclear waste.Fumio KawamuraFumio Kawamura (BS, chemical engineering, Gunma University,1970; MS, 1972, and Dr. Eng., 1976, Tohoku University) is a researcher at ERL where he is involved in radioactive waste management and reactor water chemistry.Hideo YusaHideo Yusa (BS, physics, Tohoku University, 1959; Dr. Eng., Osaka University, 1969) is a chief researcher at ERL. He is responsible for the research and development of radioactive waste management systems.Bernard L. CohenBernard L. Cohen (BS, Case Institute of Technology, 1944; MS, University of Pittsburgh, 1948; DSc, Carnegie Institute of Technology, 1950) did basic research on nuclear structure using accelerators at Oak Ridge National Laboratory from 1950 to 1958 and at the University of Pittsburgh until the mid-1970s. He then turned his research efforts to the environmental impacts of energy generation, including studies of radioactive waste, health effects of radiation, risk and risk aversion, radon problems, and reactor safety. He is a professor of physics at the University of Pittsburgh and a former director (1965 to 1978) of its Scaife Nuclear Laboratories.K. TasakaK. Tasaka (PhD, nuclear engineering, University of Tokyo, 1976) first worked in breeder reactor safety and fission product characteristics research for ten years and in light water reactor (LWR) safety research for nine years at the Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI). He is the project leader of the Rig of Safety Assessment (ROSA) program, and his current interests include analysis of thermal-hydraulic behavior during a loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) and an anticipated transient without scram in LWRs.M. SuzukiM. Suzuki (MS, mechanical engineering, Kyoto University, 1971) has worked for the ROSA program since 1974. His current interests include safety evaluation of an LWR.Y. AnodaY. Anoda (PhD, mechanical engineering, University of Tokyo, 1979) is a research engineer for the ROSA program. His current interests include two-phase flow during a LOCA.Y. KoizumiY. Koizumi (PhD, mechanical engineering, University of Tokyo, 1977) is a research engineer for the ROSA program. His current interests include analysis of thermal-hydraulic behavior during a LOCA with emphasis on two-phase flow characteristics and heat transfer.T. YonomotoT. Yonomoto (MS, nuclear engineering, University of Osaka, 1982) is a research engineer for the ROSA program. His current interests include analysis of thermal-hydraulic behavior during a LOCA.H. KumamaruH. Kumamaru (PhD, nuclear engineering, University of Tokyo, 1980) is a research engineer for the ROSA program. His current interests include core heat transfer under LOCA conditions.H. NakamuraH. Nakamura (MS, crystalline material engineering, Nagoya University, 1981) is a research engineer for the ROSA program. His current interests include analysis of thermal-hydraulic behavior during a LOCA.M. ShibaM. Shiba (MS, mechanical engineering, Waseda University, 1959) is the general manager of Reactor Safety Laboratory 1 at JAERI. He has worked for 22 years at JAERI in the field of reactor engineering and safety and is currently responsible for simulated LOCA experiments.Genichi MatsumotoGenichi Matsumoto (BS, physics, Tokyo University, 1946) has been an associate professor of nuclear engineering at Nagoya University from 1963 to the present, where he is responsible for research and education in nuclear reactor engineering. He worked as a member of the Scientific Research Institute of Tokyo following his graduation from Tokyo University, and from 1950 to 1963, he served on the technical staff of the Research Reactor Operation Division of the Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute. His current research field includes nuclear safety, neutron radiography (especially neutron television technology), and heat pipe technology.Soichi DoiSoichi Doi (BS, 1976, and MS, 1978, nuclear engineering, Nagoya University) has been employed by the Mitsubishi Atomic Power Industry Co. since 1978, where he is responsible for the nuclear fuel engineering of light water reactors.Kohei OhkuboKohei Ohkubo (BS, mechanical engineering, Aichi Institute of Technology, 1975) is a staff member of Nagoya University.Yasushi IkedaYasushi Ikeda (BS, physics, 1963, and PhD, nuclear engineering, 1982, Nagoya University) has been an assistant staff member of Nagoya University from 1964 to the present. He has investigated thermodynamics of nuclear materials using mass spectrometric technology; neutron radiography technology is also included in his research interests.Günther HesselGünther Hessel [BS, physics, Technical University Dresden, German Democratic Republic (GDR), 1970] is a research scientist at the Central Institute of Nuclear Research (CIN), Rossendorf. He is involved in experimental investigations and developments for technical diagnosis, especially at nuclear power plants.Hans-Erich KöppenHans-Erich Köppen (BS, computer science, Technical University Dresden, 1973) is a research scientist at the CIN. His area of expertise is microprocessor hard- and software and the construction of autonomously working monitors.Peter LiewersPeter Liewers (BS, physics, University of Halle, GDR, 1957; PhD, physics, University of Leipzig, GDR, 1962) is the scientific leader of the group for reactor diagnostics at the CIN. His interests and activities have shifted from reactor physics to technical diagnostics.Peter SchumannPeter Schumann (BS, nuclear engineering, Technical University Dresden, 1963; PhD, physics, Bergakademie Freiberg, GDR, 1970) is a staff scientist at the CIN where he is concerned with digital signal processing and computer software. Formerly he worked in the field of in-core measuring techniques and neutron spectrometryFrank-Peter WeiβFrank-Peter Weiβ (BS, physics, Technical University Dresden, 1973) is a research scientist in the group for technical diagnostics at the CIN. His current interest is the application of statistical pattern recognition to technical diagnostics.

Because of the increasing complexity and advancements in all areas of the electrical power industry (generation, transmission, distribution, control, protection, reliability, economics, etc), there is a growing need for graduates to be specialists in the power field.To meet such needs the Arab Academy for Science and Technology (AAST) has developed a new department of Electrical and Control Engineering which combines electric power systems, electric drives and automatic control in one undergraduate B.Eng. degree program.This paper gives details of the AAST program, implemented in 1994, designed principally to meet the present day needs of industry and electrical utilities in developing and rapidly industrializing countries.In drawing up the curriculum the proposals of the IEEE Subcommittee on Power Engineering Curricula have been used as a guide and the degree plan is structured to meet requirements of the Supreme Council for Universities of Egypt and the ABET requirements.

Fundamentals of electronic circuits' practices have a central role in all the electrical engineering education disciplines. They teach the student the basics of electronic circuit's components and the adjustment of electrical instruments, and allow him to wire and build circuits in order to realize and monitor measurements. Unfortunately, and despite the importance of this type of practices, they are not usually available at many universities owing to geographical, cost, and time constraints. With the evolving of communication and computer technologies, and the advent of E-Learning, it was possible to vanish these constrains by the powerful tools provided by E-Learning, among them the remote laboratories. Thus, recently, many universities have shifted from traditional hands-on laboratories to remote laboratories in order to tackle these constrains bringing fundamentals of electronic circuits practices on-line to students. This has allowed students to access the lab at any time and from anywhere and to design, wire and measure electronic circuits remotely, achieving a significant increase in the lab availability and cost reduction. This paper reports on the current trends in remote laboratories for fundamentals of electronic circuits practices, pointing out significant projects such as Virtual Instrument Systems in Reality (VISIR), NetLab, and remote labs based on NI ELVIS II, which have been successfully adopted at many universities and deployed in the electrical engineering curricula. The paper, also, addresses other common independent approaches based on Data Acquisition Systems (DASs) in combination with measurement and control environments, such as LabVIEW and MATLAB.

Integrating Core Systems Engineering Design Concepts into Traditional Engineering DisciplinesIn this study we describe the integration of core systems engineering design concepts intotraditional mechanical and electrical engineering curriculum at the University of Arkansas atLittle Rock (UALR) undergraduate Systems Engineering program. The program was launched in1999 in response to the industry demands for engineering graduates capable of managingcomplex engineering projects. The program has since graduated over 150 students who areworking in industry (aerospace, defense, manufacturing, design, and consulting), federal andstate government, or attending graduate school. The program curriculum has four broadcomponents: a 35 hour university core that covers basic math and science (11 hours) and generaleducation (24 hours); a 30 hour college core that enhances the math and science preparation witha course in engineering ethics; a 32 systems engineering component that introduces core systemsengineering concepts; and, a 32 hour option component that teaches the mechanical or electricalengineering disciplines. The program is accredited by ABET under general criteria, and plans areunderway to satisfy mechanical and electrical engineering program criteria. Students entering theprogram are introduced to systems engineering core concepts through courses in EngineeringEconomy, DES Modeling and Simulation, Optimization Methods, Decision and Risk Analysis,and Systems Engineering Design and Analysis. Among them, Engineering Economy coversengineering project evaluation and economic decision making. Optimization Methods in SystemsEngineering covers linear and nonlinear methods of engineering design optimization. DESModeling and Simulation covers theory and practice of discrete event simulation modeling.Decision and Risk Analysis covers uncertainty modeling and analytical techniques for rationaldecision making. Systems Engineering Design and Analysis covers the systems engineering life-cycle process, including identification of system requirements, engineering design andarchitecture, system modeling, testing and integration, and system operation and support. The128-hr program culminates in a two-semester Systems Engineering Capstone Design thatemphasizes the multi-disciplinary nature of the program. The students perform functional designin the first semester followed by detailed physical design and testing in the second semester. TheUALR program graduates skilled systems engineers who combine holistic thinking with deepproduct knowledge, strong technical background, effective communication skills, and goodinterpersonal skills.

An ongoing trend in electrical engineering programs is the adoption of mobile studio pedagogy, which champions small, portable, low-cost hardware/software systems in support of student-centric educational activities.Engineering education literature on mobile studio usage has focused on the implementation of a mobile studio platform either in a single isolated course or several courses within a sequence.This work proposes infusing a hands-on mobile studio approach throughout the electrical engineering curriculum, providing cohesive experiential learning for students throughout their degree program and fostering a climate of inclusivity and accessibility.The electrical engineering curriculum at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is being redeveloped as part of a conversion from quarters to semesters, offering a unique opportunity to fully integrate a mobile studio approach as a core element of the curriculum.This paper presents a summary of the current state of the engineering education literature on mobile pedagogy and highlights empirically derived best practices.This sets the stage for a discussion of the proposed curriculum integration of a mobile studio model and the potential to significantly increase student engagement.Important logistics are examined, including considerations of a common mobile platform across multiple courses, models for student-owned hardware, mobile studio hardware selection, and classification of courses that still require traditional bench or specialized hardware to achieve learning outcomes.While this case study presents a unique opportunity for integrating mobile studio pedagogy into curriculum redevelopment, the best practices and approaches are applicable to any faculty seeking ways to incorporate mobile studio pedagogy into their courses.

One of the topics in an undergraduate electrical engineering curriculum in a electromagnetics or power systems course is the transmission line. When the line is modeled with the distributed parameters, the power P, delivered to the load at the end of a lossless line is usually of interest and is given by: P=1/2|V/sup +/|/R/sub 0/(1-|K/sub L/|/sup 2/) where V/sup +/ is the peak value of incident voltage, K/sub L/ is the voltage reflection coefficient at the load, and R/sub 0/ is the characteristic resistance of the line. This paper points out that the above equation is a special case of a more general equation for the power delivered to the load for a low loss line. The power delivered to a load by a low loss line is obtained from time domain and frequency domain considerations. Numerical examples are given.

The need for a rational approach to magnetics in the curriculum is discussed, and recommendations of acceptable pedagogic practices are given. Typical problems are indicated.

James B. Francis College of Engineering at UMass Lowell in general, and Electrical Engineering Department in particular, has realized the importance of manufacturability of its designs all along as is evidenced from its curriculum, placement of its graduates, and close ties with the regional industries. Under this proposed initiative however, a number of specific courses will be revised in order to imbibe substantial manufacturing content, along with returning all the pertinent analytical skills needed for succeeding in the real engineering world. The goal is not only to educate the students in fundamentals of EE but to also train them in the latest state-of-the-art technology, in order to make students productive on the job, right from the first day. The industry does not have time and resources to train new hires. We, therefore propose to introduce concepts of Integrated Process/Product Development (IPPD) in the undergraduate curriculum of Electrical Engineering (EE) in all its phases.

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in virtual practical labs is revolutionizing the education sector by providing immersive, adaptive, and cost-effective learning experiences. Virtual labs offer significant advantages, such as flexibility, scalability, and accessibility. This paper explores the current state of AI-driven virtual labs, their benefits, challenges, and future prospect, especially in the context of STEM education and research.We analyse AI applications in laboratory simulations, personalized learning, automated assessment, and real-time feedback. Virtual practical lab powered by AI – enhance Virtual Practical labs provide impressive, interactive ,and personalized learning experience, enabling students to conduct experiments in simulated environment that conduct mimic real- world scenarios .Furthermore, we discuss ethical considerations, technological advancements, and case studies of AI-based virtual labs in science, engineering, and medical education. It’s impact on modern education, and the challenges associated with the implementation. The research concludes with recommendations for optimizing AI in virtual practical labs for enhanced pedagogical outcomes.

With recent advances in information technologies, a new mode of laboratory known as the “virtual laboratory” has begun to revolutionise engineering education. This development has generated discussion about the fundamental learning outcomes of laboratory training courses and, ultimately, an interest in the consequent changes to the student’s learning experiences.This exploratory case study describes the initial phase of a research agenda that is focused on investigating the effectiveness of virtual laboratories in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) in a research-intensive university. The long-term goals of the agenda are to add to the literature of how effective virtual EEE laboratories are (in terms of delivering specific learning outcomes, and also engaging and motivating students and teachers), and to discover whether they can ultimately become a substitute for traditional laboratory training by providing an equivalent and comparable learning experience for students.

Remote and Virtual Labs for Engineering Education 4.0: Achievements of the ELLI project at the TU Dortmund University

Open distance learning (ODL) education has been developing rapidly in South Africa. The main reason behind the growth is the demand for online studies created due to the corona pandemic. The ODL system involves study that is not limited by geographical boundaries and extends to many knowledge areas electronically. In practice the study tends to extend to knowledge areas beyond those offered by the standard contact or traditional universities. At the University of South Africa (UNISA), the adoption of the ODL framework to theoretical subjects has been successful by making use of the Sakai virtual learning environment (VLE). The practical subjects or practical knowledge areas on the other hand have previously been taught face-to-face. Therefore, the practical modules have not been effectively taught online particularly in the electrical engineering curriculum. This issue can contribute to graduates who are unskilled in the practical component of a knowledge area, which can lead to unemployment. Virtual learning environments (VLE's) play a vital role when it comes to teaching and learning online. In this paper, the impact of VLE's on the practical skills of students and practical knowledge is investigated. This is done by analyzing the change in pass rates of students in a practical subject such as Electrical Engineering when taught face-to-face as compared to when taught through a VLE such as Sakai online. Two groups termed as emerging centered learner (ECL) and a developed centered learner (DCL) are investigated. The method evaluates students who study electrical engineering practical module part-time. In this paper the Sakai platform was used as a VLE to teach and then evaluate students in the electrical engineering practical module. The practical guide with the full set of experiments was uploaded on Sakai under additional resources. The students were given the necessary guidelines and tasks via Sakai online, examined and then the pass rates achieved were analyzed at the end of the program and compared to the pass rates achieved using previous face-to-face teaching method used for the same practical's. It was determined that a VLE can be used to improve the pass rates of a practical module such as electrical engineering taught online in ODL.