Low Cost Lab Equipment Implementation of a Machinery & Controls Course in Engineering Technology

Final Paper pdf 1.8MB

Existing lab facilities were inadequate and out of date for teaching a sophomore course on electrical machines and their control. Many of the existing lab experiences were faculty demonstration oriented rather than hands on student labs. The limited number of matching and working pieces of equipment caused difficulty in developing meaningful lab experiences. A further hindrance was the availability and location of available three phase power outlets. The existing situation necessitated a low cost method for delivering laboratory experiences in a required Associate of Applied Science Degree course, titled Machinery & Controls. Packaged educational machinery systems were investigated but were determined to be cost prohibitive leading to the development of customized lab systems.
This paper will walk through the incorporation of three-phase power to the lab and the purchase of up to date equipment found in modern industrial environments. The initial equipment implementation is focused on induction machines with plans to incorporate, synchronous, single phase, brushless DC and stepper motors as funding for additional purchases becomes available. The design process, purchase and installation of laboratory three-phase induction motors, loads and control equipment is discussed. The controls equipment included in the lab facilities is intended to give the student a practical exposure to the actual control items found in industry including variable frequency drives and solid-state soft starters. The lab equipment is designed to be supplied by a 208Y/120, 3 phase source and as such up to date electrical safety considerations according the NFPA 70E are emphasized in the course. Student feedback on the learning experiences during the first course offering with the new equipment will be included.

Author(s):

Gregory Harstine    
Engineering and Science Technology
University of Akron
United States

Andrew Milks    
Engineering and Science Technology
University of Akron
United States

Joshua Boley    
Engineering
University of Akron
United States