An interdisciplinary senior design project to convert agricultural residues to solid fuel pellets

Abstract

In this paper, we present a student design and research project carried out as part of interdisciplinary senior design efforts involving three engineering departments. The main focus of this project was on converting grape pomace to solid fuel pellets for use as an energy source, through the torrefaction process. Environmental engineering (ENV) students investigated the optimum thermochemical conversion protocol to efficiently convert grape pomace into a more useful biomass fuel form; mechanical engineering (ME) students developed specifications for a mechanical and heat transfer system to accept the raw materials and transform them into the finished product; and electrical and computer engineering (ECE) students worked on a control and monitoring system for the purposes of control, command, and monitoring of the entire system. The project team consisted of fourteen undergraduate students (four from ECE, seven from ME, and three from ENV) and three faculty advisors from those departments. Students' performance was assessed within the senior design courses in each department in a form of course exit survey as well as assignments and formal and informal presentations. Overall, the project provided students with great learning opportunities through extensive laboratory experiments and testing, as well as collaborative interaction with an industry partner. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2013.