A laboratory for energy efficient product design

Traditionally, energy consideration has been secondary in standard design methodology taught in typical undergraduate engineering curriculum. Most design analysis is focused on performance of a product or a system in terms of function, structural integrity or realization of other design goals. In the later stages of the design process, performance simulation and theoretical analysis is utilized to justify design refinement. In absence of accurate mathematical model, experimental understanding of energy conservation and losses in a functional prototype of a product is a priori for a design process with emphasis on energy efficiency. To study the energy efficiency of designed product, a multipurpose laboratory equipped with thermo-fluid process components, sensors, data acquisition and analysis tools is being developed. It will allow installation and operation of the prototypes, and experimental study of performance of the components. Analysis of the experimental data will lead to optimization of geometry, materials and other design details of the components. The methodology will be practiced in undergraduate design projects and eventually incorporated in the product design curriculum.