HI sponsors Penn State University Capstone Projects.
Press Release Summary:
Hydraulic Institute, along with member companies KCF Technologies, Engineered Software, Flowserve, and NIDEC, sponsored series of Penn State University Capstone Projects that challenged college engineering students to field solutions on complex pump engineering projects. Working in collaboration with sponsors, Penn State technicians, and University Area Joint Authority, students addressed pump system efficiency issues using Internet-based sensor technologies and simulation modeling software.
Original Press Release:
Hydraulic Institute Sponsors First Series of Successful Penn State University Engineering Capstone Projects with Members
Parsippany, NJ,  – The Hydraulic Institute (HI), along with member companies KCF Technologies, Engineered Software, Flowserve and NIDEC, sponsored a series of Penn State University Capstone Projects that challenged college engineering students to field solutions on complex pump engineering projects. According to the University, the mission of Capstone Design Projects is to bring the real-world into the classroom by providing engineering students with practical hands-on experience.
Working in collaboration with sponsors, as well as Penn State technicians and the University Area Joint Authority (UAJA), student groups addressed pump system efficiency issues using Internet-based sensor technologies and simulation modeling software. Two student teams sought engineering solutions to one of the biggest challenges in the industrial world: reducing pump inefficiencies that account for up to 20% to 40% of wasted electrical energy in both industrial and building services. A third team designed and built a pump test loop that was so well done that the sponsoring company intends to continue its use.
Solutions to the Capstone problem-solving projects were presented by student design teams to sponsors, faculty members, HI staff and facility management at the New Leaf Initiative Building on Penn State University Campus.
“The student design teams presented complex engineering solutions that focused on modeling and analysis of hydraulic systems at State College’s UAJA wastewater treatment facility and pumps within the Earth-Engineering Sciences Machinery Building using some outstanding engineering work,” notes Jeremy Frank, President & Co-founder, KCF Technologies.
The Capstone Design Projects included (see participating student members below):
Efficiency Analysis of a Penn State Motor/Pump System Leading to Design Recommendations to Improve Performance/Co-Sponsors: NIDEC and KCF Technologies
In this project, students initially identified a motor/pump system located on Penn State campus and collected working drawings to identify component specifications and learn about system operating conditions. Implementing a pump design software tool developed by Engineered Software, Inc. called P∙SMART and KCF Technologies’ wireless vibration monitoring kit, the design team, then, conducted an efficiency analysis of current pump system operations. Students also analyzed live vibration data (via SmartDignostics) related to the motor/pump performance within a regularly scheduled timeframe.Â
Design and Fabrication of a Pump Test Loop/Sponsor:Â Flowserve
Working to Flowserve’s specifications to design and build a pump loop for future training and testing purposes at its Bethlehem facility, students designed a piping layout, purchased necessary construction materials, assembled the loop, then, operated it using a pump and motor supplied by Flowserve. The team created a final report documenting all design decisions, appropriate drawings, proper instrumentation and assembly instructions.
Jessica Phillips, Engineering Manager, Flowserve Corporation, says, “As a fellow engineer, I was impressed how quickly these mechanical engineering students learned to design a solid pump test loop with proper instrumentation using HI standards with excellent results.”
The Penn State Capstone Projects are just the beginning of HI’s endeavor to work with manufacturing members and leading engineering universities and colleges in implementing many diverse Capstone programs related to pump systems optimization. In addition to creating greater awareness of needed pump system efficiency within the pumping industries, these Capstone projects will help to recruit qualified mechanical engineering graduates to these industries.
Mark Sullivan, Director, Education & Marketing, Hydraulic Institute, explains, “Pumps touch many aspects of modern society. Our mission is to bring new engineering talent to this vital technology area. In reaching new graduates, while touting the importance of pump system efficiency, we plan to further expand our joint educational efforts with engineering schools such as Penn State.”
For more information on how to get your company involved or for Capstone Design Project ideas, contact Mary Silver at 973-267-9700 x117 or msilver@pumps.org.
Students participating in Capstone Design Project focused on Efficiency Analysis of a Penn State Motor/Pump System Leading to Design Recommendations to Improve Performance:
KCF Technologies develop embedded intelligence solutions and accelerate transition to commercial products through strategic partnerships. Visit us at: https://www.kcftech.com/
Engineered Software envisions a world where fluid piping systems are intelligently designed to leave a smaller environmental footprint while improving the reliability and ROI of industry's hidden infrastructure. The company’s mission is to assist our customers in realizing energy efficiencies through improved piping system understanding and superior equipment selection. Visit us at: http://eng-software.com/Â
Flowserve is the recognized world leader in supplying pumps, valves, seals, automation, and services to the power, oil, gas, chemical, and other industries. With more than 16,000 employees in more than 50 countries, we combine our global reach with a local presence. Visit us at: http://www.flowserve.com/
NIDEC is the world's No.1 comprehensive motor manufacturer. With approximately 230 group companies, worldwide, Nidec offers a wide range of products, from small precision to super large motors. Find out more at: http://www.nidec.com/en-NA/
The Hydraulic Institute serves as a value-added resource to member companies, engineering consulting firms, and pump users worldwide by developing and delivering comprehensive industry standards, expanding knowledge by providing education and tools for the effective application, testing, installation, operation, maintenance, and performance optimization of pumps and pumping systems, and by serving as a forum for the exchange of industry information. For more information on the Hydraulic Institute, its member companies and its Standards Partners, visit www.Pumps.org.
