Proposal

The proposed Tech Fee is for the purchase of a Computer Controlled Fluid Friction in Pipes with Hydraulics Bench and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. The system will be used for the Laboratory session of the Applied Hydraulics (CWR-3201C) and the Fluid Mechanics (EML3701) courses. These are core courses that introduce students to the principles and applications of water at rest and in motion.  Presently the laboratory experiments are conducted with antiquated, leaking, inaccurate equipment where data are collected manually through visual observations.

The proposed system will substantially improve the educational experience of the students and faculty by (a) introducing modern and accurate laboratory testing of frictional and local energy losses in pressurized pipe networks and (b) familiarize with computer controlled data acquisition systems. The proposed equipment provides opportunities for more than 50 exercises and practical scenarios.

More specifically the complete unit includes:

·         Advanced Real-Time SCADA system.

·         Open Control + Multi-Control + Real-Time Control.

·         Specialized EDIBON Control Software based on Labview.

·         National Instruments Data Acquisition board (250 KS/s, kilo samples per second).

·         Calibration exercises, which are included, teach the user how to calibrate a sensor and the importance of checking the accuracy of the sensors before taking measurements.

·         Projector and/or electronic whiteboard compatibility allows the unit to be explained and demonstrated to an entire class at one time.

·         Capable of doing applied research, real industrial simulation, training courses, etc.

·         Remote operation and control by the user and remote control for EDIBON technical support are always included.

·         Totally safe, utilizing 4 safety systems (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic & Software).

·         Designed and manufactured under several quality standards.

·         Optional Computer Aided Learning (CAL) software helps the user perform calculations and comprehend the results.

·         This unit has been designed for future expansion and integration. A common expansion is the EDIBON SCADA-Net (ESN) System which enables multiple students to simultaneously operate many units remotely in a network.

The proposal supports the departmental accreditation (ABET) efforts of the Civil, Mechanical and Ocean Engineering programs, and aligns with two of the FAU’s 2012-2017 Strategic Plan as follows:

Goal 1: Enrich the Educational Experience – The proposed equipment utilizes high tech procedures for hydraulic data acquisition and better prepares the students for the modern job market.

Goal 2: Inspire Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity – The proposed equipment supports also the FAU’s Distinction through Discovery initiative by providing enhanced laboratory experience to the Undergraduate engineering students and supporting creative research activities from a wide variety of available experimental options.

Existing laboratory infrastructure suffices.