In this laboratory, the students perform experiments related to Thermodynamics, Heat and Mass Transfer, and Energy Systems II courses. The students perform specific heat measurements for different materials and for different masses. They also perform experiments on free and forced convention to understand the different thermal inertia characteristics of each heating surface for free convection and to compare the surface temperatures of the heat transfer surfaces in forced convection. Inverse-square law is also among the experiments. Students also perform experiments on various sources of energy such as solar, wind, and hydrogen. They observe the current-voltage characteristics and power curve of solar modules under different illumination levels. They also perform experiments on wind turbine operation under different load conditions. The current-voltage characteristics of the PEM electrolyzer are also observed during lab sessions.

Research Opportunities 

The devices available in the lab are; Steam generator, thermal expansion device, Marcet boiler, angle finder, multimeter, heater, weight measuring device, thermometer, lux meter, gas law apparatus, free and forced convection device, Leslie’s cube, power supply, fuel cell, and electrolyzer, PEM electrolyzer, mini hydrogen powered car, solar module, wind turbine kit, anemometer, and tachometer.

The experiments conducted in this laboratory are as follows:

1. Specific Heat of Solids
2. Thermal Expansion Experiment
3. Introduction to Thermal Radiation
4. Inverse Square Law
5. Free Convection
6. Forced Convection