Undergraduate Thesis Archive

Design and Fabrication of a Generator Powered Governor Systems for MHP (2011)

Arvin Paul Matibag,
Ralph Adler Lim,
SNico Joachim Salvador,
Hsin Haw Yang

Abstract:

-About 70 percent of the Earth is water so it would be ideal to harness this natural resource as an alternative source of power. In order to achieve this, micro-hydro systems can be used to convert the water flow into electricity.

This study aims to design and fabricate a governor system for micro-hydro which will be powered by the generator. Once the governor system is installed on the micro-hydro, the whole system will then be self-powered, eliminating the need for manual speed adjustments.

The group designed an electronic circuit which will be the main component of the governor system. A tester, consisting of a dynamo and an engine, was also fabricated to help configure and ensure the operation of the controller. Once configured, the controller is then installed on the micro-hydro for actual testing.

The results gathered from testing showed that the controller is functional in maintaining a constant frequency despite the changing load of the generator. This shows that a self-powered micro-hydro with governor system is in fact feasible.

Adviser:

Engr. Isidro Marfori

Design, Fabrication and Testing of a Diffuser Augmeated Wind Turbine (2011)

Wendell Chan
William Hung
Lorens Tan
Jeffrey Yu

Abstract:

-Due to the global warming crisis, engineers throughout the world had been striving to develop sustainable technologies, specifically on the field of renewable energy. One of the most utilizedtechnology is the wind turbine. There are multiple researches done to improve the performance of the wind turbine, one of the research conducted is the diffuser augmented wind turbine (DAWT). The DAWT is a horizontal axis wind turbine(HAWT) that is enclosed inside a cylindrical structure called diffuser, such diffuser is said to increase the power generation of wind turbine. The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of DAWT relative to HAWT. Instead of a small scale testing, all the necessary designs are done on computer simulation. Properties of diffuser are altered and simulated in Cosmos Floworks in order to attain the optimum diffuser design based on limiting factors such as size constraints and the number of diffuser air foil to be used. After the optimal diffuser was found, the prototype was then fabricated and tested. Data gathered from the testing of the DAWT are then compared to data obtained from the HAWT testing. The performance of the DAWT is then evaluated. The DAWT could be seen generating approximately 1.5 to 2 times the power of HAWT at similar conditions despite the errors on the geometry of the diffuser. Even for a rotor diameter of only 830mm the size of the diffuser is rather large.

Adviser:

Engr. Martin Ernesto Kalaw

Design, Fabrication and Testing of an In-wheel Motor for Electric Vehicle Applications (2011)

Johan Jeriel M. Aldover
Frederick C. Hila
Nicko John D. Odtujan
John Kevin H. Paris

Abstract:

-In-wheel motors are commonly used in electric vehicles. They emit no pollution, have high efficiencies, and are lightweight. The research was undertaken with the aim of localization of such motors. The design of an in-wheel motor was initially created, with the shaft and rim measurements equivalent to Sikat’s CSIRO in-wheel motor. It uses the stator and rotor parts from Fisher and Paykel Smart Drive washing machine. The stator was rewired from series to parallel in order to increase the current rating of the hub motor from 1.5 A to 20 A, and was reinforced with epoxy resin to increase its structural integrity. In order to operate the motor, an Infineon 12 MOSFET motor controller was used and connected to a 48V power supply.

The motor was tested for efficiency and capacity. A test bed was fabricated, with a torque arm connected to the motor shaft. It uses a rubber belt for the brake mechanism and a torque transducer for the torque parameters. With no load, the motor has a maximum speed of 783 rpm with an input power of 683 W. The voltage capacity of the motor controller is 88V. However, due to the unavailability of an 88V power supply a 48V power supply was used instead. Using a higher voltage power supply may further increase the efficiency and speed of the in-wheel motor.

Adviser:

Engr. Isidro Antonio V. Marfori III

Design, Fabrication, and Testing of a Compressed Air Powered Bicycle (2011)

Ascaño, Joelson M.
Lastrilla, Tomas Benjamin A.
Lacuesta, Aeroncris Nicole S.
Mamawal, Jan Vitaliano R.

Abstract:

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Adviser:

Engr. Martin Ernesto L. Kalaw

Strength Evaluation of the Attachment of Metal to Carbon Fiber for Automotive Application (2011)

Aquino, Dorcas
Gotauco, Jill
Lim, Margarette
Odulio, Pacita

Abstract:

-This thesis seeks to address the problem of the connection of the suspension of the SIKAT solar car to its carbon fiber monocoque shell by fabricating different designs of the metal attachment to carbon fiber and termanto foam. These designs were then tested using a machine that simulates the SIKAT solar car as it goes through rough road conditions. The load to the metal attachment was increased until the metal attachment failed. The best design was chosen based on its capacity to withstand the most applied load and its ability to use reinforcing components.

Adviser:

Engr. Landa

Strength Evaluation of the Attachment of Metal to Carbon Fiber for Automotive Application (2011)

Magpantay, Rafonsel P.
Sy, Mike Jassen T.
Tan, Dennis Louis S.
Co, Andrian Benedict T.

Abstract:

-Pili nut shell and sub-bituminous coal were co-fired using a bubbling fluidized bed combustion system at the Fuels and Energy Division of the Industrial Technology Development Institute, Department of Science and Technology in Bicutan, Taguig City, Manila. Pili nut shell and coal were mixed into three different fractions of 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40 with the pili nut shell having the higher mass fraction. The blended fuel was fed into the fluidized bed system using a variable speed drive screw feeder at three different feeder settings of 1.5, 1.75, and 2.0. For the 1.5 feeder setting, the air flow rates used were 32 m3/hr and 32.5 m3/hr. For the 1.75 and 2.0 feeder settings, the air flow rates used were 32.5 m3/hr and 33 m3/hr. Sand was used as the fluidizing medium and the temperatures at different sections of the system were observed and recorded for each of the blended fuel used. Under each fuel blend, a flue gas sample for each of the six different combinations of feeder setting and air flow rate was analyzed using a KANE MAY KM 9104 combustion analyzer which determined the composition of the flue gas and the combustion efficiency. Of all the 24 different runs conducted in the study, the 70:30 fuel blend was found out to be the most probable mixture of pili nut shell and coal, yielding a combustion efficiency of 86.24% at a feeder setting of 1.5, which corresponds to a mass flow rate of 6.82 kg/hr, and an air flow rate of 32 m3/hr. Also, it was found out that although the co-firing of pili nut shell with coal yielded a higher combustion efficiency (86.24%) compared to rice hull co-fired with coal (64.4%), the rice-hull co-fired with coal still proved to be more cost effective (at P 0.53 per kWhr) than pili nut shell co-fired with coal (at P 0.93 per kWhr).

Adviser:

Dr. Archie B. Maglaya

Experimental Verification Of Optimal Tilt Angles For Photovoltaic Arrays In The Philippines (2011)

Fidel D. Diaz
Jerrold L. Ngo
Maximillian S. Pascual
Albert Joseph B. Planes

Abstract:

-This study used a mathematical model that estimates daily extraterrestrial radiation received by a south-facing unit area in order to maximize the radiation received by a PV panel. The extraterrestrial model has been used in previous studies done by Skeiker and El-Kassaby to predict irradiation gains wrought by regular tilt adjustment. This study exceeds the scope of the said in that it experimentally verifies the predicted gains through a mechatronic setup consisting of a data acquisition system and 20W PV panels with fixed loads. Based on experimental results, it was verified that gains over a year-round fixed orientation can be achieved by monthly and quarterly tilt adjustment based on the extraterrestrial model. It was also found out that the model poorly predicts the value of such gains. Hence a model incorporating the diffuse and beam component of solar radiation was tested through a pyranometer subjected to mechanized tilting. Such is proposed as a substitute for the extraterrestrial model. The model proved accurate in predicting the daily and month optimal tilt angles for the month of February but such accuracy comes at the price of on-site solar data gathering. Equipped with conclusive theoretical and experimental evidence that confirm power output gains predicted by the said models, the study proposed a tilting mechanism to accommodate periodic tilt adjustment. Also, a case study was done in a plant setting so as to measure the economic impact of periodic tilt adjustment.

Adviser:

Dr. Alvin Chua

Thermal Preference of Students in Selected Universities in Metro Manila (2011)

Ko, Sherwin
Sante, Rainier

Abstract:

–

Adviser:

Engr. Efren de la Cruz

Design and Fabrication of an Individualized Thermoelectric Air-Conditioning Unit (2011)

Chen, Francis Xavier B
Macatangay, Rafael B.
Tan, Dewee Uy R.
Villas, Alberto Deck F.

Abstract:

-This thesis takes advantage of global demand for environment friendly technology and offers an alternative to the conventional refrigerant-based air-conditioning system. In this study, thermoelectric (TE) modules are used to either cool or warm a flow of air. The design utilizes an air-to-air type of assembly wherein air is the medium of heat exchange for both hot and cold sides of the (TE) module. Different set-ups were tested under varying cold side airflow speeds, airflow pattern (impinging/parallel), and module wiring connection in order to identify the most optimum combination. For the small scale set-up, the coefficient of performance (COP) varied from 0.21 to 0.47 and the change in cold side inlet and outlet temperatures (ΔT) varied from 1.9°C to 7.1°C. For the small scale set-up, the coefficient of performance (COP) varied from 0.43 to 0.94 and the ΔT varied from 4.23°C to 9.33°C.Based on the small scale and medium scale results, parallel airflow configuration performed better than the impinging airflow test since it achieved higher ΔTs and a better COPs. The full scale set-up consisted of two medium scale assemblies with parallel airflow configuration. COPs varied from 0.22 to 1.43 and ΔTs varied from 5°C to 10.13°C. Results show how individualized TE air-conditioning can revolutionize the way cold air is delivered and provide an alternative to refrigerant based air-conditioning systems.

Adviser:

Engr. Laurence A. Gan Lim

DESIGN, FABRICATION AND TESTING OF AN ELECTROMECHANICAL FLOW CONTROLLER FOR A MICROHYDRO POWER PLANT USING A PLC (2008)

Abstract:

-In micro-hydro power plants, small variations in the load can cause frequency and voltage fluctuations in the generator’s output. To solve this problem, an Electronic Load Controller (ELC) or a flow governor or controller, or a combination of both, can be used. This study was made to present a new means of controlling the output frequency of a micro-hydro power plant’s generator. In this study, a flow controller using a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) was designed and fabricated to control the output frequency of a 7.5-kW generator subjected to different load variations. Only equipment intended for industrial applications were used in the flow controller so that it can withstand harsh conditions found in the actual field setting. The flow controller was able to control the generator’s frequency to ±5% of the normal frequency with an average reaction time of 24.75 seconds at an average final frequency of 59.72 Hz. The flow controller’s sensitivity or the minimum amount of load required to make the controller react was found

Adviser:

Isidro Marfori

DESIGN, FABRICATION, AND TESTING OF THE PROPOSED STEERING SYSTEM FOR THE SINAG-DLSU MANILA SOLAR CAR PROJECT (2008)

Boon, Maybelline Ria
Campecino, Gerard Joseph
Villena, Miguel Enrico

Abstract:

–

Adviser:

Mr. Anthony Escolar

DESIGN, FABRICATION AND TESTING OF MECHANICAL EXPELLER FOR JATROPHA OIL EXTRACTION (2008)

Asumbrado, Prince Engelbert
Chiong, Johannes
Ngo, Elvin
To, John Sherwin

Abstract:

-Jatropha was seen as having large potential as a biodiesel feedstock, with its abundance and ability to grow almost in any soil condition. With the establishment of jatropha as potential feedstock, development of cheap and economical methods of extraction of the oil from the seeds is needs. A small-scale mechanical expeller for jatropha seeds was designed and fabricated based on the need of an expeller for rual application. To determine the best settings of the expeller, it was designe with variable expeller speed and clearance between the screw and the end cap. Experimentation indicated that the jatropha oil output of the developed expeller was at its highest with a speed of 60 rpm and a clearance of 4 mm between the screw and end cap, recovering an average of 263 g of oil from 1 kg of jatropha seeds. An economic analysis indicated that the developed mechanical expeller could profitably be used for small-scale processing of jatropha in rural areas of Philippines.

Adviser:

Mr. Anthony Escolar

DESIGN, FABRICATION, AND TESTING OF A PORTABLE DRILL-TYPE GOLD TRACKER (2008)

Avenir, Arvin Jo Escarez
Divinagracia, Jacinto III Torrente
Gajasan, Paolo Louie Espiritu
Tengki, Abelard Chua
Tolentino, Moises Angelo Bernard Casio

Abstract:

-This thesis project study involved the design, fabrication, and testing of a Portable Drill Type Gold Tracker. The objective was to be able to manufacture a drill machine that can extract soil samples from underground to be used in soil sampling and the location of possible mineral traces in the ground. Our design focused on the use of locally available materials and surplus parts and components for ease of fabrication and maintenance of the project. The fabrication of the majority of the project was done in Azurin Well Drilling Company which is also a metal working shop located in Antipolo, Rizal. This is because of their familiarity and expertise in the field of drilling, while some of the parts of the project were fabricated in other various machine shops. In the testing phase of the project, the study showed that the Gold Tracker is capable of drilling underground and obtaining soil samples to be used for study. It required less manpower for the operation, and consumes very little time in the set-up and pack-up modes.

Adviser:

Mr. Isidro Marfori

DESIGN OF A VAT FOR THE CONSERVATION OF MASH TO ETHANOL USING GEOTHERMAL HEAT AS AN ENERGY SOURCE (2008)

Arenas, Steven Lester
Guevara, Adrian Joseph Miranda
Nuñez, Arjee Gonzales
Reyes, Jonathan Michael Alcaraz
Valerio, Emmanuel Soriano

Abstract:

-The distillation process for ethanol production requires a heat source capable of heating the mash until it reaches 78°C.The conventional heat source for this process is fossil fuel. Fossil fuels damage the ozone layer at the same time it is relatively expensive compared to renewable sources of energy such as geothermal power. The study aims to design, fabricate, and test a heat exchanger (CV) capable of utilizing geothermal brine for the distillation process of ethanol. Several numerical models were made using Microsoft Excel program. The results of these models were as basis for the design of the CV. Procurement and construction of the working model took placed after the final design was finished. Tests were done after the completion of the working model. The data showed that the heat exchanger can be used for the distillation of ethanol. However, testing in actual geothermal filed should be done to verify the numerical models’ result that the CV can be used for cooking mash in ethanol production. The working model is weather dependent since the site of the testing is an open area.

Adviser:

Mr. Alvin Culaba

DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF LEGGED STAIR CLIMBING ROBOT (2008)

Burgos, Marvin Carlo
Ferrolino, Jose Emil
Ortico, Ronaldo
Santos, Jan Christopher
Yee, Emil Andrew

Abstract:

-The group plans to make a legged robot that is able to travel in any direction in a flat surface with the use of a remote controller for its user. The proposed robot will have the ability to climb stairs. The stair climbing mechanism of the robot will be designed best for the common type of stairs that are commonly used in buildings.

The primary design the group has thought of is a legged robot that utilizes four legs. The group plans on using servo motors, at least two for each leg. The group would depend on using a combination of mechanical kinematics and computer programming in order for its legs to climb stairs. An aim for more of kinematics than programming is considered by the group. The robot would be manually controlled through a controller connected through wires. Size of robot must be, at most, as long as three regular stair steps when measuring from end to end. The size of the robot must also not be too big as to make the step size insignificant.

Adviser:

Mr. Laurence Gan Lim

DEVELOPMENT OF A POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM STRATEGY FOR A SOLAR CAR TO BE USED IN THE WORLD SOLAR CHALLENGE 2007 (2008)

Obiles, Robert Co
Ang, Prince Darhyl Anthony Ryan Velarde
Tan, Eric Clark Lontok

Abstract:

-The sources of energy that solar cars use during their journey re energy gathered from the sun and initial battery charge. In order to maximize energy use and minimize travel time, a power management system is necessary. There has been many strategic models being used these days, each has its own advantages and disadvantages for different solar car and solar car teams.

This study is focused on the power management system for a solar car. It will make use of all available data in order to come up with a strategy to budget power and maximize speed of the solar car in order to complete the race in the least possible time. It will not try to alter the design of the solar car but work around it. The study made use of available data and used them as variables. It made assumptions of the car’s characteristics to make a mathematical model of the car. Three separate programs were made to stimulate the three different strategies namely, Constant Drain, Constant Velocity and Optimal Velocity strategy.

As a result, at ideal conditions there is a minimal time difference between the three strategies but the best one was the most complicated optimal velocity strategy. The slowest during ideal condition was the constant drain. At conditions where cloud covers vast distances, the time difference became larger but the order of fastest to slowest is still the same.

Adviser:

Mr. Alexander Paran

THERMAL REFERENCE OF FILIPINO COLLEGE STUDENTS FROM SELECTED UNIVERSITIES/COLLEGES IN MANILA (2008)

Gatapia, Mark Bernard
Gomez, John Paul
Neo, Robby Ray
Senales, Rick Jayson

Abstract:

-This thesis study is one of the few studies conducted in the Philippines regarding thermal comfort in local settings. Guidelines on thermal comfort assessed from control laboratories in temperate countries are widely implemented all around the world, but unfortunately the trend in most of studies in tropical countries states that the standards have under predicted the neutral temperatures and acceptability locally.

A total of 36 students from 6 different universities/colleges have participated in this thesis study. The obtained neutral temperature from actual votes from the ASHRAE thermal sensation scale is 26.04°C, while predicted neutral temperature by the PMV (predicted mean votes) model is 25.81°C. A difference of 0.23°C between the two neutral temperature values is actually a significant value. A low percentage of only 56.8% voted acceptable and “no change” on the vote of acceptability and preference scale. This value suggests that the range of acceptability is actually wider than the range of preference since actual acceptability votes has a percentage of 82.2%. In addition the PPD (predicted percentage of dissatisfied) model over predicts almost all categories of the ASHRAE scale. By means of probit analysis the thermal preference is obtain at 23.1°C which is lower than 2.94°C than that of the preferred temperature. The program used in the probit analysis was SAS(Statistical Analysis Software), observations that prefer warmer and prefer cooler were used, the probit model is Probit(Pw)=5.5634-0.2774*Top and Probit(Pc)=(-10.6423)+0.4245*Top respectively. The difference in neutral temperature suggests that the respondents prefer cooler environment even though they are at their neutral state.

Adviser:

Mr. Efren de la Cruz

COLD THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM WITH PROVISIONS ON SENSORS FOR AUTOMATION (2008)

Quintos, Kyrtz Kenneth Bryan
Roces, Marquitos Luis
Tan, Vancouver
Vendivil, Paolo

Abstract:

-In this Cold Thermal Storage System (CTS), we redesigned a conventional airconditioning unit and installed it with an external system that has enhanced the coefficient of performance level of our Cold Thermal Storage System. An external water tank, heat exchanger, and pumps were installed so that the system could execute the supercooling and charging state of the system, during these states of charging and supercooling we have gained data and used them to calculate the total Coefficient of Performance (COP) of our system. The Programmable Integrated Circuit (PIC) was our control system, it was responsible for controlling pumps and sensors that would adjust according to the varying amounts of load. This would include digital electronic counters that were used to count the numbers of people entering the controlled room. We had to use COP as means of benchmarking conventional air-conditioning systems with our CTS. According to the following COP, COP=1.65(with no CTS), COP=1.42(with CTS @ charging) and COP=2.78(with CTS @ supercooling), the results of our testing and calculations found that the wattage of our Cold Thermal testing and calculations fund that the Wattage consumption of our Cold Thermal Energy System is 56.3% lower than the consumption of a normal air conditioning unit.

Adviser:

Mr. Martin Ernesto Kalaw

ANALYSIS OF THE SINAG BODY-COMPOSITE SHELL DESIGNED FOR THE 2007 WORLD SOLAR CHALLENGE (2008)

Cabiling, Alfred Ruther
Sy – Quia, Jose Martin

Abstract:

-This study presents the design, fabrication and testing history of the Sinag Solar Car, with a focus on the Shell – Body Design, It evaluates the composite structure of Sinag 1 through an accounting of the materials found in the Shell. This is followed by comparison and contrast of the design elements found in Sinag 1’s composite body with other solar cars. A tabulation of the problems encountered during testing and actual racing is presented.

The study is comprised of 3 parts, a presentation and analysis of the construction history of the Sinag solar car, a computer simulation of the composite body of the solar car which was performed in Solidworks CAD software, and a comparison table of common design elements used in other solar cars.

The group concludes that the materials used in the Sinag solar car were adequate, however, improved design must be undertaken to fully maximize and realize the properties of the composite structures.

Adviser:

Mr. Martin Ernesto Kalaw

GENERATION OF FUEL ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT DATA OF A PUBLIC UTILITY JEEP DIESEL ENGINE USING VARIOUS BLENDS OF COCO BIODIESEL/DIESEL THROUGH SIMULATED ROAD TESTS UNDER PHILIPPINE URBAN ROAD CONDITIONS (2008)

Baylon, David
Burgos, John Adrian
Go, Norman
Sayo, Raymond

Abstract:

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Adviser:

Mr. Alvin Culaba

DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF AN ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM FOR THE PROPERTY ENHANCEMENT AND CONVERSION OF WASTE VEGETABLE OIL INTO STANDARD BIODIESEL (2008)

Baylon, David
Burgos, John Adrian
Go, Norman
Sayo, Raymond

Abstract:

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Adviser:

Mr. Rene Fernandez