Web-Based Virtual Lab for Learning Design, Operation, Control, and Optimization of an Anaerobic Digestion Process
- PDF / 2,709,684 Bytes
- 12 Pages / 595.276 x 790.866 pts Page_size
- 58 Downloads / 192 Views
Web-Based Virtual Lab for Learning Design, Operation, Control, and Optimization of an Anaerobic Digestion Process José Luis Guzmán 1
&
Babu Joseph 2
# Springer Nature B.V. 2020
Abstract Virtual labs have proven to be very versatile and valuable for providing realistic experience for students in STE (Science, Technology, and Engineering) fields. As we progress from delivery of instructional material from classroom to the Internet, there is need to develop laboratory exercises to supplement the theoretical lessons. A Web-based virtual simulation model of an anaerobic digester (AD) using a flexible Javascript-based platform was developed to support courses in process control and process design. The objective was to provide a virtual laboratory experience that could be used on any device capable of accessing the Web (laptops, tablets, or smartphones) to explore multiple facets (design, operation, control, and optimization) associated with a complex biochemical system. A user-friendly interface that allows easy specification and testing of operational parameters is provided. In this article, we discuss how the model and simulation is developed and deployed along with illustrative examples of its use in a training or educational environment. Keywords Virtual labs . Anaerobic digestion . Web-based simulation . Control education
Introduction Laboratory exercises are an integral part of engineering education. Laboratory-based experimental tasks are important in any discipline, but it is particularly relevant in engineering studies, where laboratory experiments allow the student to connect theory with practice. According to a recent review by Bequette (2019) on process control education, nearly 70% of these courses have a laboratory component, indicating that hands-on experience is important for teaching this subject. Ruiz et al. (2015) discuss the importance of interactivity in teaching control concepts. Applying principles learned in the classroom to practical situations reinforces learning and also motivates students since they are able to see the relevance of the topics and concepts. As we move toward distance learning and delivery of instructional content via the Web, we cannot
* José Luis Guzmán [email protected] 1
Department of Informatics, University of Almería, Ctra. Sacramento s/n, ceiA3, CIESOL, 04120 Almería, Spain
2
Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
sacrifice the importance of laboratory exercises. Many solutions are available on the Web to teach theoretical concepts remotely often integrated with learning management systems (LMS). However, solutions that provide laboratory experience are usually scarce and often courses are taught without exposure to experimental work. In many cases, for administrative convenience, laboratory experience is separated and offered as a distinct course often detached from the theory. One way to expand experiential learning is to provide virtual laboratory exercises in conjunction with the theory. There have been two type
Data Loading...
