Engineering Commons^™

A Wideband, Circularly Polarized, Directive Antenna With A Circular Reflector, Tyler J. Mcpherson, Zabed Iqbal, Sungkyun Lim

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

A two-element, patch antenna with a single feed is presented to achieve wideband, circular polarization, and uni-directional radiation. The driven element of the antenna has a rotated, corner-truncated radiating patch to achieve circularly polarized radiation with an offset microstrip feedline in the front side. The back side of the driven element comprises a wide hexagonal slot, eight meander tips, and a parasitic patch in the center. A circular reflector is added behind the driven element to increase realized gain toward the front side direction of the driven element. A prototype of the antenna is fabricated for validation. In both simulation …

Focusing On Writing To Learn Approach To Increase Engagement And Performance In Digital Design Lab, Salman Siddiqui, Rami Haddad, Mohammad Ahad

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

In an effort to help students in the discipline build on their writing skills throughout the undergraduate curriculum, Georgia Southern University initiated a quality enhancement plan (QEP) with a focus on writing across the Electrical Engineering curriculum. As part of this plan, the Digital Design Lab course, offered at the sophomore level in the curriculum, implemented several strategies to help students build on their previous writing skills, and in the process improved their technical vocabulary, the ability to communicate using it, increased students’ engagement, collaboration, and performance in the course. In this work, the effect of deliberately engaging students in …

Introductory Chapter: Recent Advances, Adel El-Shahat

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

Chapter Excerpt: This book proposes the most important researches in electrical resistivity and conductivity modeling, measurement, estimation and sensing methods, and implications. Electrical conductivity and electrical resistivity are very important properties for different materials. The goal of the book achieved via presenting new and modern case studies for sensing methods of electrical resistivity, resistivity modeling of frozen soil, measurement of the electrical resistivity for unconventional structures, estimation of hydrological parameters from geoelectric measurements, and assessment of cryoprotectant concentration by electrical conductivity measurement. It presents different methods to measure resistivity for both liquid and solid materials by explaining two, three, and …

Performance Investigation Of Three Combined Airfoils Bladed Small Scale Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine By Bem And Cfd Analysis, Md Mehedi Hasan, Adel El-Shahat, Mosfequr Rahman

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

The present work is based on the comparative study between “Blade-Element- Momentum” (BEM) analysis and “Computational-Fluid-Dynamics” (CFD) analysis of small-scale horizontal axis wind turbine blade. In this study, the pitch is considered as fixed and rotor speed is variable. Firstly, the aerodynamic characteristics of three different specialized airfoils were analyzed to get optimum design parameters of wind turbine blade. Then BEM was performed with the application of the open source wind turbine design and performance computation software Q-Blade v0.6. After that, CFD simulation was done by Ansys CFX software. Here, k-ω “Shear-Stress-Transport” (SST) model was conducted for three-dimensional visualization of …

Design Studies And Aerodynamic Performance Analysis Of Small Scale Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Blade For Nano-Grid Applications, Md Mehedi Hasan, Adel El-Shahat, Mosfequr Rahman

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

Wind energy, being easily accessible, environmentally friendly, and being cost effectively, has become the world's one of popular growing renewable energy sources of electricity generation. Among all of the wind turbines, Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) is considered as leading technology due to its high efficiency. However, to spread this technology to mankind it is needed to develop turbine in this way that people can use it individually and comfortably. This kind of thinking accelerates the advancement of integration of wind turbine with Nano grid concept. Although great progress has been achieved in the wind technology, there is still scope …

Small-Scale Electric Vehicle Dc-Dc Converter For Nano-Grids Applications, Adam Johnston, Mason Johnson, John Sweat, Adel El-Shahat

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a self-sustained charging system that does not cost you any money on your electric bill? Electric car owners know that even though their cars do not require gasoline to run, they will require electricity and like everyone else that is tied to the grid will have to pay a price per kilowatt hour that is determined by their utility company. With gasoline prices falling somewhat in the past year the hype of electric vehicles has been somewhat less but who knows what the oil market is going to be …

Modelling And Simulation Of Grid Connected Lithium-Ion Battery Using Homer, Shantu Ghose, Adel El-Shahat

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

In order to improve battery technology understanding the capacity fading method in batteries is very important. Battery models can be used to predict their behavior under various operating conditions. Here we proposed a simple dynamic model of lithium-ion battery with MATLAB/Simulink to observe the output characteristics of this energy storage device. Dynamic simulations are carried out, including the observation of the changes in battery terminal output voltage under different discharging/charging, temperature and cycling conditions. The simulation studies are presented for proving that the model is useful. At the end we will use this energy storage device to interconnect with HOMER. …

Small Scale-Wind Power Dispatchable Energy Source Modeling, Jordan J. Cannon, David Moore, Stephen Eason, Adel El-Shahat

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

Due to the importance of Wind energy as an intermittent renewable resource in Micro-Grids applications; this paper is proposed. So this research proposal seeks to model and analyze components of a wind turbine generator (WTG) system to store energy and supply loads with the stored energy. Focus is placed on the storage of energy into a lead acid battery and using the battery with the inverter as a dispatchable energy source. The storage device and inverter acts as a steam power plant generator. The small-scale system consists of wind turbine, wind generator, loads, dc-dc converter, ac-dc inverter, controller and battery. …

Enhancing Student Learning Through Proactive Feedback Based Adaptive Teaching For Engineering Courses, Danda B. Rawat, Chandra Bajracharya

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

This paper presents a proactive anonymous feedback based adaptive teaching for enhancing student learning for engineering courses. In conventional university teaching, typically, students come to the class and instructors lecture the material, assign home assignments, take exams, etc. After grading assignments or exams, the instructor provides feedback to students. Most of the time, students are reluctant to ask questions or ask instructor to revisit the topic which was already covered. However, there is no immediate anonymous feedback mechanism for each topic or class to notify the instructor about topics which are not clear to students. There are advantages that enhance …

A Novel Peer-Assisted Hybrid Flipped Classroom Model Using Online Discussion, Rami J. Haddad, Youakim Kalaani

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

A Unique Hybrid Flipped Classroom Model with an Online Discussion ComponentThe effectiveness of active learning pedagogy and the huge technological advancements in thearea of educational technology were the key factors that made classroom flipping possible.Flipping a classroom has the effect of altering the dynamics of the learning process by switchingthe role of the student from a passive to an active role. Under this model, the student is giveninstructions to watch a set of short online videos about the topics being taught which is usuallydone outside the classroom. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the learningprocess has …

Lead Acid Battery Modeling For Pv Applications, Rami J. Haddad, Adel El-Shahat, Youakim Kalaani

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

Lead-Acid batteries continue to be the preferred choice for backup energy storage systems. However, the inherent variability in the manufacturing and component design processes affect the performance of the manufactured battery. Therefore, the developed Lead-Acid battery models are not very flexible to model this type of variability. In this paper, a new and flexible modeling of a Lead-Acid battery is presented. Using curve fitting techniques, the model parameters were derived as a function of the battery’s state of charge based on a modified Thevenin equivalent model. In addition, the charge and discharge characteristics of the derived model were investigated and …

Cross Disciplinary Perceptions Of The Computational Thinking Among Freshmen Engineering Students, Rami J. Haddad, Youakim Kalaani

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

In this paper, we analyzed the perception of Computational Thinking among engineering students from three engineering disciplines (Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil) and correlated their performance with their discipline. The goal of this analysis is to determine whether structuring discipline-specific Computational Thinking courses can improve the retention or having a diverse group of students in this course is more beneficial by allowing multidisciplinary interaction. This analysis was quantitatively verified by assessing the students' performance in over 40 different sections of Computing for Engineers course taught from Fall 2012 to Spring 2014. Our sample consisted of 861 students (142 Civil, 484 Mechanical, …

A Hybrid Simulation And Hands-On Experimentation For Electric Machines Laboratory, Youakim Kalaani, Rami J. Haddad, Bikiran Guha

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

In this paper, we presented a hybrid approach to integrate hands-on experimentation with virtual simulation environment in an Electric Machines course. This was achieved by using Lab-Volt’s LVSIM-EMS software as a platform for the virtual simulation environment. The use of this simulation software allowed students to freely experiment and test various circuit designs before they actually conduct any physical experimentations. This hybrid approach helped promote lab safety and also avoid damaging the equipment due to random testing. In addition, it allowed for more student-centric experiments with less hazardous lab environment. A new experiment to derive the equivalent-circuits of a transformer …

Smart Grids Technology Fundamentals - New Course, Adel El-Shahat, Rami J. Haddad, Youakim Kalaani

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

In this paper, a new course in smart grid technologies to enhance the power systems concentration in an Electrical Engineering program is presented. The aim of this course is to introduce students to contemporary topics related to distributed generation, micro-grids, renewable energy sources, and smart homes applications. This proposed 4-credit course is designed to provide students with a working knowledge from the basic concepts of power systems to the inherent elements of computational intelligence including decision support systems, smart metering, cyber security, optimization, and renewable energy sources. The automation and computational techniques involved in Smart Grid technologies are also introduced …

Wind Energy Estimation Functions For Future Homes, Adel El-Shahat, Rami J. Haddad, Youakim Kalaani

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

Wind energy is ideally suited for distributed generation systems to meet growing demand for electricity that find applications especially in developing countries. The motive of this study is to develop an efficient method to help identify and select the best sites to harvest the wind energy in Egypt. In this paper, a novel approach is proposed to estimate and appraise wind energy resources using Artificial Neural Network (ANN). To achieve this goal, an ANN-based algorithm was created and trained using relevant data collected from several wind monitoring posts installed across the country. Parameters such as latitude, longitude, elevation, and monthly …

Pmsm Sensorless Speed Control Drive, Youakim Kalaani, Rami J. Haddad, Adel El-Shahat

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

Permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSM) are very popular in many industrial applications such as in mechatronics, automotive, energy storage flywheels, centrifugal compressors, vacuum pumps, and robotics. This paper proposes Sensorless control for a PMSM speed drive which is based on a closed loop control system using a proportional and integral (PI) controller that is designed to operate in flux weakening regions under a constant torque angle. This Sensorless element was adopted for best estimating the PMSM rotor position based on its performance characteristics eliminating the need for speed sensors which are usually required in such control applications. To achieve this …

Google Forms: A Real-Time Formative Assessment Approach For Adaptive Learning, Rami J. Haddad, Youakim Kalaani

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

In this paper, we describe our approach on how to achieve an adaptive learner-centric environment by using an unconventional student feedback process that utilizes Google Forms to periodically collect information about the course instruction. Students were asked to provide their input regarding lectures' clarity and content; the use of visual aids; time management; problem solving, instruction delivery; and student engagement in the classroom. Data collected from these anonymous surveys provided real-time formative feedback that helped faculty to react just in time to address issues related to student learning process. In addition to providing continuous feedback, this process has also shown …

A Unified Approach To The Assessment Of Student Learning Outcomes In Electrical Engineering Programs, Youakim Kalaani, Rami J. Haddad

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

In this paper, a unified approach to the assessment of student and program learning outcomes to satisfy ABET and SACS accreditations criteria is proposed. This new approach takes into consideration the criteria of both accreditations to streamline the assessment process. As a result, a set of six skills categories were developed for SACS in which the eleven ABET student learning outcomes were embedded to satisfy both accreditation criteria. Furthermore, a standardized set of artifacts and rubrics were also developed to measure each skill category based on a given set of performance indicators. Data collected at the sophomore, junior and senior …

Adaptive Teaching: An Effective Approach For Learner-Centric Classrooms, Rami J. Haddad, Youakim Kalaani

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

Adaptive Teaching: An Effective Approach for Learner-Centered Classrooms ABSTRACTWith the recent focus on student achievement, teachers are striving to improve the quality oftheir instruction methods to achieve a learner-centered environment in their classrooms. Thedifference in the students’ level of achievement in any specific course is mainly due to thedifference in the students’ aptitude for learning “Learning Style”. Unfortunately, the statictraditional teaching style “Chalk-&-Talk” which is still being used in engineering schools doesnot adapt to the changes in the cognitive profile of the student cohorts which reflects negativelyon the students’ achievement and performance, especially in engineering.In this paper, we discuss our …

Continuous Improvement In The Assessment Process Of Engineering Programs, Youakim Kalaani, Rami J. Haddad

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

In this paper, we present a multifaceted assessment process that was developed for our Electrical Engineering (EE) program at Georgia Southern University to meet the ABET criteria dealing with the student learning outcomes (SLOs). Both direct and indirect measures were used to collect and analyze data to assess the attainments of the student learning outcomes. To ensure data integrity, multiple faculty were involved in the development of a set of rubrics with benchmarks and performance indicators at both the program and curriculum levels. These tools provided action plans for this continuous improvement process to be implemented during the academic year. …

Gaming Against Plagiarism (Gap): A Game-Based Approach To Illustrate Research Misconduct To Undergraduate Engineering Students, Rami J. Haddad, Youakim Kalaani

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

In this paper, we discuss our experience using a set of games called "Gaming Against Plagiarism" to increase awareness in different types of research misconduct, and highlight the ramification of committing such misconducts among undergraduate engineering students. Gaming Against Plagiarism consists of three mini-games that address research misconduct. The types of research misconduct addressed are stealing, misquoting, patchwriting, insufficient paraphrasing, self-plagiarism, data falsification, and data fabrication. In these games, students are virtually put into situations involving research misconduct. The students either have to identify the type of misconduct or make an ethical decision by avoiding research misconduct. We assessed the …

A Viability Study Of Photovoltaic Systems, Youakim Kalaani, William Nichols

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

Concerns over climate change and other environmental problems highlight a need for a shift toclean and renewable energy. The main objective of this study is to investigate the viability ofphotovoltaic electricity in the southeastern region of the United States. To achieve this goal, twocase studies were conducted involving a large retail store and a recreation center. Historical datarelated to weather conditions, solar energy and power demand were investigated and as a resultgrid-connected photovoltaic systems were designed to provide green energy for these facilities.Several engineering factors that went into the design process as well as economic andenvironmental considerations were thoroughly discussed …

An Interdisciplinary Team-Based Mobile Robots Design Course For Engineering, Fernando Rios-Gutierrez, Rocio Alba-Flores

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

An Interdisciplinary, Team-Based Mobile Robots Design Course for Engineering TechnologyAbstractThis work describes the educational experience gained during a new course in mobile robotics, a fourthyear elective course in the undergraduate Electrical Engineering Technology program at our University.The main topic of this course is concentrated on team-based, one semester-long robotics projects in whichstudents design and build mobile robots for different applications. A mobile robot is a system that contains mechanical and electronic parts that can be programmed toperform some specific functions, responding to sensory inputs under the control of an internal or externalcomputer. The reasons to use mobile robots as the …

An Outcomes-Driven Approach For Assessment, Youakim Kalaani, Shonda Bernadine

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

In this paper, we describe an ABET-driven assessment plan that was originally developed to address some weaknesses and concerns identified by program evaluators during a previous accreditation visit. However, faculty of the Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) seized this opportunity to embark on a major program revision making use of its newly organized Industrial Advisory Board (IAB). As a result, a five-step process that consists of 1) program assessment planning, 2) data collection, 3) data analysis, 4) program review, and 5) program improvement actions was developed. During this process, the program objectives and outcomes are evaluated and revised to maintain currency …

Enhancing Electrical Engineering Technology Capstone Experience, Fernando Rios-Gutierrez, Youakim Kalaani

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

The College of Science and Technology (COST) at our university (XXX) offers degrees in Mechanical (MET), Civil (CET) and Electrical Engineering Technology (EET). All the Engineering Technology programs are ABET accredited and have been successful in achieving the TAC2000 outcomes. In particular, our Senior Design capstone course (TEET4010/ 4020) is a comprehensive three-credit, two-semester engineering design course, that all engineering majors are required to take as their capstone experience. We view this course as a very important component in the preparation of a trained EET professional. The course emphasizes both hard and soft skills and serves as an emulation of …

Enhancing The Learning Experience In A Multidisciplinary Engineering Technology Course, Rocio Alba-Flores, Youakim G. Al-Kalaani

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

Rapidly changing technology advances demand the revisions of engineering and technology courses so that they continue to serve students and industry in a relevant way. In a typical engineering technology department, students from different majors are usually required to take an introductory electrical engineering course. Due to the multidisciplinary background of students, such a course has traditionally been a challenge to teach so as to make it interesting and useful to all students. Therefore innovative teaching methods have to be employed in order to accommodate different backgrounds and learning styles.

In our department, a basic electrical engineering course is offered …

Enhancing The Learning Experience In A Multidisciplinary Engineering Technology Course, Rocio Alba-Flores, Youakim Kalaani

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Publications

Rapidly changing technology advances demand the revisions of engineering and technology courses so that they continue to serve students and industry in a relevant way. In a typical engineering technology department, students from different majors are usually required to take an introductory electrical engineering course. Due to the multidisciplinary background of students, such a course has traditionally been a challenge to teach so as to make it interesting and useful to all students. Therefore innovative teaching methods have to be employed in order to accommodate different backgrounds and learning styles.

In our department, a basic electrical engineering course is offered …