Open Ended Lab

ChE 204L Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics

List of Problems
1. Investigate how varying inlet steam pressures effect the single-stage impulse turbine
efficiency. Develop an experimental approach to measure and analyze these effects and
propose strategies to optimize turbine performance.

2. Explore the application of the first law of thermodynamics to a single-stage impulse

turbine under varying steam flow rates. Design an experiment to quantify the energy
transformations and identify associated losses, providing insights into performance
improvement.

3. Examine how inlet temperature and pressure variations influence the isentropic efficiency
of a single-stage impulse turbine. Propose a method to measure efficiency and identify
factors that can maximize it under different operating conditions.

4. Analyze the effect of steam quality (wet versus dry) on efficiency of a reaction turbine.
Plan an experiment to measure and compare performance under varying steam conditions
and propose design adjustments for better handling of wet steam.

5. Investigate the energy transformations in a reaction turbine using the first law of
thermodynamics. Develop a methodology to measure critical parameters such as enthalpy
change and friction losses and suggest ways to minimize energy losses.

6. Study how variations in inlet pressure and temperature impact the isentropic efficiency of
a reaction turbine. Propose a systematic experimental plan to evaluate efficiency and
recommend optimization techniques.

7. Investigate the relationship between air flow rate and compression ratio in a compressor
with and without inter-stage cooling. Design an experimental method to measure the
variations and recommend improvements in cooling strategies.

8. Examine how volumetric efficiency varies with compression ratio in a compressor, both
with and without inter-stage cooling. Develop an approach to analyze efficiency changes
and propose design enhancements for better performance.

9. Explore the impact of compression ratio on the isothermal efficiency of a compressor.

Design an experiment to assess cooling strategies and propose methods to achieve
maximum efficiency.

10. Analyze how generator and absorber temperatures influence the Coefficient of
Performance (COP) of an absorption refrigeration system. Design an experiment to
measure the effects and propose improvements for optimal performance.
11. Investigate the factors affecting the efficiency of a thermoelectric heat pump. Propose an
experimental methodology to explore power input and ambient condition variations and
recommend optimization strategies for cooling performance.

12. Compare the performance of different refrigerants in a vapor compression refrigeration

cycle. Design a methodology to analyze their effects on the Coefficient of Performance
(COP) and environmental impact and suggest the most suitable refrigerant for specific
applications.
Guidelines for Report Writing
A well-written lab report documents the experiment in a clear, organized, and concise manner.
Your report should include the following sections:

1. Title Page

 Experiment title.
 Names of team members.
 Date of submission.

2. Introduction

 Provide background information on the experiment.

 State the objective(s) of the experiment clearly.
 Briefly describe the relevance of the experiment to real-world applications.

3. Experimental Setup and Methodology

 Explain the experimental setup using diagrams or photos where necessary.

 Provide a detailed description of the procedures followed, including any modifications to
standard protocols.
 List the equipment used, along with specifications.

4. Results

 Present the data collected in the experiment using tables, graphs, and figures as
appropriate.
 Include proper labels, units, and titles for clarity.

5. Analysis and Discussion

 Analyze the data by applying relevant thermodynamic principles.

 Discuss trends, relationships, and any anomalies observed in the results.
 Compare your results to theoretical expectations or literature data.
 Discuss the implications of your findings for system performance or design.

6. Conclusion

 Summarize key findings and their significance.

 Highlight any limitations or challenges encountered during the experiment.
 Propose suggestions for improving the experiment or the system being studied.

7. References
  Cite any sources used, including textbooks, research papers, or online materials,
following a standard citation format.

8. Appendix (if needed)

 Include raw data, sample calculations, or additional diagrams not essential to the main
discussion but relevant for validation.

Reflection Guidelines
Include a reflection section in your report with answers to these questions:

1. What did you learn?

 Highlight the key concepts or skills you gained during the experiment.

2. What went well?

 Discuss the aspects of your experiment that worked successfully.

3. What could have been improved?

 Reflect on challenges faced during planning, execution, or analysis and suggest ways to
address them in the future.

4. How does this experiment relate to real-world engineering problems?

 Explain how the experiment's findings or principles could be applied in industrial or

practical scenarios.

5. How did this experiment help develop your problem-solving skills?

 Share how the open-ended nature of the experiment pushed you to think critically or
creatively.
Open-Ended Lab Evaluation Rubric
Criteria Excellent (85- Proficient (70- Adequate (50- Needs
100%) 85%) 70%) Improvement
(<50%)
Planning Has a creative Has a creative Has a plan but No plan; no
and setup plan and prepares plan but requires unable to experimental
preparation the setup help/instruction in prepare the setup
(30%) accordingly preparing the setup
setup
Data Obtained results Obtained results Obtained results Minimal results
acquisition are accurate and are either accurate are neither obtained
(35%) precise or precise accurate nor
precise
Problem Innovative Demonstrates Minimal No clear
Solving solutions to some problem- problem-solving solutions to
(15%) problems; solving skills; demonstrated; problems
troubleshooting able to resolve challenges identified;
skills well- most issues with identified but struggles with
demonstrated; able limited guidance; solutions were troubleshooting
to analyze and minor gaps in incomplete or or overcoming
overcome identifying partially experimental
experimental challenges. ineffective. issues.
challenges
effectively.
Report Well-organized, Report is mostly Report is Report lacks
Quality clear, and logical well-organized partially organization; key
(20%) report with with good organized; some sections missing
thorough analysis; analysis; clear but sections are or incomplete; no
professional some sections missing or clear analysis or
language used; all may lack details unclear; lacks proper
sections are or clarity; some proper referencing.
complete and referencing issues. referencing and
referenced clarity in
appropriately. presenting
analysis.