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Showcase Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture

A Clustering-based Microgrid Planning for Resilient Restoration in Power Distribution System

A Clustering-based Microgrid Planning for Resilient Restoration in Power Distribution System

Primary author: Hongda Ren
Co-author(s): Noel Schulz
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Noel Schulz

Primary college/unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Principal topic
With frequent natural disasters, like hurricanes, storms, and earthquakes, it is critical to improve the power distribution systems’ resiliency to deal with them. One potential solution is the utilization of to increase the probability of critical loads restoration. Critical loads restoration refers to swiftly restore electricity supply to important loads, like hospitals, emergency lights services, central control room, and communication network, after the electric power outage from the local utility.
Method
A weighted load-impedance density-based clustering method utilizes network topology and DERs to form multiple microgrids to restore critical loads based on load density and priority. The method has two objectives 1) to find restoration network and maximize its availability by DER location selection; 2) to identify areas with high load density with low impedance distance connections, to ensure high priority loads to recover.
Results
The proposed method is tested in IEEE 37-node feeder with three DERs to restore eight critical loads. The results show:
1.the proposed method effectively identifies the optimal restoration paths to form microgrids.
2.Multiple solutions are provided when parameter adjustment while other methods only offer one solution. Compared to apply fewer large size DERs, using more small sizes DERs to form more microgrids have better performance in critical loads restoration and power loss reduction.
3.Compared with the result of benchmark optimization, the result of proposed method is close to the optimal solution in term of power loss. The power loss of the method is only 10% of the original case.

Frank Lloyd Wright and Ralph Waldo Emerson: Truth Against the World

Frank Lloyd Wright and Ralph Waldo Emerson: Truth Against the World

Primary author: Ayad Rahmani

Primary college/unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Ask Frank Lloyd Wright scholars about the role that Ralph Waldo Emerson played in the intellectual development of the iconic architect and all will recognize it. But very few will know what to do it. Some might even go so far as to question the merit of pairing the two in one study, arguing that beside a passing mention of the sage by the architect the two moved in two different circles, the first literary, the second architectural. And yet this proposal insists otherwise, namely that it would be difficult to fully grasp Wright’s architectural range and ideas without also studying him through the lens of Emerson. He may not have devoted an essay long explanation to the sage but he did reference him when talking about issues as related to nature, self-reliance and the poetic. The two shared a concern for the direction America was taking, now well into the 19th century, largely divided along economic and political lines. What America they thought they had signed up for was no longer the one that they were currently experiencing. America was drifting father and father from its original project and something had to happen to steer the ship back on course. Nothing short of changing the American mind was at stake, Emerson advocating for it through words, Wright through architecture. How the former informed the making of the latter is the aim of this proposal, covering the span of a book-length project of six chapters and one introduction.

STEM-Oriented Alliance for Research (SOAR): An educational model for interdisciplinary project-based learning

STEM-Oriented Alliance for Research (SOAR): An educational model for interdisciplinary project-based learning

Primary author: Jacob Murray
Co-author(s): Soobin Seo; Lucrezia Cuen-Paxson; Mark Beattie

Primary college/unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Campus: Everett

Abstract:
This work details the development, design, and implementation of an interdisciplinary project-based learning approach. The project offers a transformative educational experience to students at WSU Everett merging coursework across three different academic disciplines. STEM education has been challenged by industries to incorporate business and communication experiences that prepare students for the workplace.

Phase one developed an interdisciplinary course launched spring 2019. A total of 59 students (28 Business, 10 Communication, and 21 Electrical Engineering students) participated in the project, working on seven industry-sponsored projects. While all students were required to work together, each discipline was responsible for separate deliverables. Electrical Engineering students designed prototypes, Business students designed marketing plans, and Communication students created videos and infographics. Initial results showed high levels of student satisfaction, enjoyment, and unique educational experience. However, students rated the group structural components relatively lower.

Phase two developed additional structure to our project. We built a roadmap which details major milestones and events including a kick-off event, escape room team-building activity, interdisciplinary workshop, business pitch, and a final pitch and poster presentation. The course assignments include project vision and summary; product description, significance and rationale; market description; business pitch; and a press release and product pitch.

Preliminary data suggests collaboration in interdisciplinary project-based learning does initially produce disorientation, some trepidation and confusion. However, ultimately these disorienting dilemmas lead to transformative learning, increased confidence and cohesion among disciplines. The results of this work will inform educators creating interdisciplinary project-based coursework that meets the growing demands of the workplace.

Hierarchically Porous M-N-C (M = Co and Fe) Single-Atom Electrocatalysts for Fuel Cells

Hierarchically Porous M-N-C (M = Co and Fe) Single-Atom Electrocatalysts for Fuel Cells

Primary author: Zhaoyuan Lyu
Faculty sponsor: Yuehe Lin

Primary college/unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

The integration of hydrogen into power generation applications is critical for an environmentally friendly and sustainable energy pattern. Fuel cells are considered as one of the cleanest energy conversion technologies. The efficiency and cost of fuel cells, however, are still hurdled by the development of cost-effective catalysts that reduces oxygen at the cathode side. Currently, there is an intensive research effort for highly efficient electrocatalysts based on low-cost and earth-abundant elements. Improving non-precious metal catalysts require rational control over their size, shape, composition, and structure. In particular, single-atom catalysts (SACs) show great promise owing to their high catalytic activity, stability, selectivity, and 100?% atom utilization. Through innovative synthesis methods, we have developed a universal strategy to design and construct hierarchically porous SACs with highly active sites, MN2 (M = Fe or Co), which outperform the commercial precious-metal catalysts and show great potential for practical proton-exchange membrane fuel cells. Combining advanced characterization techniques and theoretical simulation, we further unravel the origin of the high catalytic activity of SACs at the atomic level. The findings shed light on the catalytic reaction mechanism of SACs and may help future development of low-cost and highly efficient fuel cell catalysts.

Novel Deep Eutectic Solvent for Native Lignin Extraction Through Heterocycle Induced Interaction

Novel Deep Eutectic Solvent for Native Lignin Extraction Through Heterocycle Induced Interaction

Primary author: Kuan-Ting Lin
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Xiao Zhang

Primary college/unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Campus: Tri-Cities

Abstract:

Plant biomass, constructed by lignocellulose, is the largest renewable source for biofuel and bioproducts to replace petroleum products. To facilitate the process of lignocellulose to product, fractionation of lignocellulose is performed as the primary step to improve carbohydrate utilization, and isolate lignin for valorization. Current industrial pretreatment and/or pulping approach apply harsh processing conditions to extract lignin from the biomass matrix. In these harsh conditions, lignin-carbohydrate complexes are not completely broken, resulting in a significant amount of residual saccharides and process chemicals. Deep eutectic solvent (DES) is a promising alternative method to effectively extract lignin from lignocellulosic biomass. Previous studies have shown DES generally yielded good lignin purity and yield. Although DES extracted lignins are relatively pure, the process is known for acid hydrolysis of the ether linkages in lignin which caused a large degree of structural changed. In this study, we hypothesized that design a DES with heterocycles enable a selective extraction of lignin from plant biomass, meanwhile the function of HBD under different reaction condition control the cleavage of ether linkages that produce lignin with tailor structural properties (ether linkage and depolymerization).

Herbicide Detection with Nanoparticle-Amplified Immunoassays

Herbicide Detection with Nanoparticle-Amplified Immunoassays

Primary author: Eunice Kwon
Faculty sponsor: Bernard Van Wie

Primary college/unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

New detection methods are being developed to monitor potentially harmful pesticides and herbicides, which are suspected of contributing to ailments ranging from diarrhea to death. In this study, we present the detection of the herbicide atrazine—approximately 65 million pounds of which are used in the United States per year—with two types of immunoassay while using a novel mesoporous palladium@platinum (Pd@Pt) core-shell nanoparticle (NP) detection label. Pd@Pt NPs have peroxidase-like catalytic activity, reducing hydrogen peroxide while oxidizing the substrate, resulting in higher pH- and thermo-stability than enzymes and greater catalytic activity than monometallic Pt black. We replaced the enzyme in the indirect ELISA method with Pd@Pt NPs, forming a nanoparticle-linked immunosorbent assay (NLISA) that eliminated a step in the detection process. We used this competitive NLISA on atrazine, yielding a limit of detection of 0.5 ppb (10% inhibition) with 0.1 – 500 ppb linear range, then on water samples spiked with atrazine at three concentrations, yielding 98 – 115 % recoveries. We then used LFIA with a Pd@Pt NP detection label on atrazine; in this case, test line intensity increased with decreasing atrazine concentration, because competitive immunoassays yield inverse results. Finally, we evaluated our methods by comparing our results with those obtained with the instrumental assay HPLC, which yielded an atrazine limit of detection of 10 ppb. We found that our novel Pd@Pt NP detection label has a higher sensitivity than HPLC and that NLISA saves time and reagents by eliminating the secondary antibody step.

Tropomyosin binding is essential for tropomodulin to regulate spine reorganization

Tropomyosin binding is essential for tropomodulin to regulate spine reorganization

Primary author: Balaganesh Kuruba
Faculty sponsor: Alla Kostyukova

Primary college/unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Formation of connections between neurons (synapses) is essential for proper brain function. Synapses are formed by axon terminals and dendrites (spines and shafts). Spine formation and reorganization depend on actin polymerization and depolymerization. Disruption in this process affects spine formation and thereby impairs many brain cognitive functions. Tropomodulin is a protein which controls polymerization of actin by binding to actin via tropomyosin, another actin binding protein. In our study, we showed that disruption of tropomyosin-binding ability of tropomodulin 2 resulted in changes in spine morphology, overall reduction of spine density and average spine length in primary hippocampal neurons. Tropomodulin interacts with two tropomyosin molecules during regulation of actin polymerization. No atomic structural information is available for the binding interface between tropomodulin and tropomyosin. Establishing the structure is critical to understand the actin dynamics regulation mechanism by tropomodulin. Using circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic studies, we showed that tropomyosin peptide containing first 44 N-terminal residues is the optimal fragment to form respective stable complexes with the two tropomyosin-binding sites in tropomodulin.

Modeling and Miniaturization of a Centrifugal Bioreactor with Applications in Cancer Immunotherapy and Chemical Engineering Education

Modeling and Miniaturization of a Centrifugal Bioreactor with Applications in Cancer Immunotherapy and Chemical Engineering Education

Primary author: Kitana Kaiphanliam
Co-author(s): Brenden Fraser-Hevlin, Bernard Van Wie
Faculty sponsor: Bernard J. Van Wie

Primary college/unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

A centrifugal bioreactor (CBR) system has been designed and studied in Professor Bernard Van Wie’s laboratory with applications ranging from tissue engineering for arthritis to T cell biomanufacturing for cancer therapies. A major issue in using the CBR for T cell expansion is the numerous sources for potential contamination, as half of the system is exposed outside of a biosafety cabinet. If the current system were implemented in hospitals, it would require a cleanroom costing up to $3 million; however, if the CBR was downsized to fit in a biosafety cabinet, containment costs would be reduced to $15,000, at most. By reducing the size of the CBR to fit in a biosafety cabinet and assuming proper aseptic technique is followed, we will nearly eliminate contamination sources, making the system more affordable and accessible for cancer immunotherapy applications. Current efforts in the downsizing process include drafting and modeling of a prototype scalable to that of a compact disc (CD). Additionally, the CBR can be further miniaturized as a hands-on learning module for classroom use. The physics principles that define the CBR can be used to introduce separations to chemical engineering undergraduate students, as well as expose them to applications in the biomedical field. We hypothesize that these CBR-like fidget spinner modules will increase motivation and retention amongst female students in a freshman-level chemical engineering course. Prototypes for the hands-on learning modules have been manufactured, and we will be implementing them along with motivational assessments in the spring CHE 110 class.

Towards Durable Wood-Strand Composite Mass Timber Panels

Towards Durable Wood-Strand Composite Mass Timber Panels

Primary author: Ruben Jerves
Faculty sponsor: Vikram Yadam

Primary college/unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Mass timber construction is rapidly growing in North America. This fast growth is imminent due to some features of this material. Wood has a high strength to weight ratio and lower environmental impact in contrast with other construction materials. Still, durability is a significant concern that needs to be addressed for the advancement of mass timber construction. Extreme care is required to protect members from exposure to high moisture environments while ensuring long-term durability. This project thus researches improvements of wood’s longevity by approaching two main issues associated with this: dimensional stability and decay resistance of wood due to moisture and biological organisms. At the same time, a sustainable approach is considered while utilizing small-diameter logs, which allow the forest industry to be optimized. This improvement in durability is achieved with the fabrication of Cross Laminated Strand-Veneer-Lumber (CLSVL) out of thermally modified ponderosa pine wood strands. State-of-the-art concepts and technologies are implemented in the process and the testing of the material. Where, at a first stage of the project, the thermal treatment of the wood strands is optimized through studies on wood-water interaction, assessment of physical properties, and a series of mechanical benchmark tests. The presentation will focus on the initial results of the thermal treatment of strands and its influence on the mechanical performance, physical properties, and bonding behavior. Subsequent work will involve the manufacturing of strand-based veneer lumber and mass timber panels and a robust assessment of the product.

Catalyst-Free Covalent Adaptable Network under Internal Catalysis by Hydroxyl-Amine: Excellent Mechanical Properties, Fast Repairing and Easy Recycling

Catalyst-Free Covalent Adaptable Network under Internal Catalysis by Hydroxyl-Amine: Excellent Mechanical Properties, Fast Repairing and Easy Recycling

Primary author: Cheng Hao
Faculty sponsor: Jinwen Zhang

Primary college/unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Early epoxy vitrimers in the literature rely on an inequivalent epoxy/anhydride stoichiometry and a large amount of catalyst to achieve a decent transesterification rate within the crosslinked network. This design approach raises a number of concerns such as poor miscibility of the catalyst with other ingredients, poor mechanical properties owing to insufficient crosslinking, toxicity of the catalyst, etc. In this study, a hydroxyl-amine compound, triethanolamine (TEA), is incorporated as a catalytic co-curing agent to a typical BPA epoxy – cyclic anhydride curing system to give a new catalyst-free covalent adaptable network system. The hydroxyl groups and tertiary amine of TEA catalyze the curing process, and the tertiary amine and the regenerated hydroxyls in the crosslinked network accelerate dynamic transesterification. The resulting catalyst-free epoxy vitrimer exhibits high glass transition temperature (~135 °C), excellent tensile strength (~ 94 MPa) and fast repairing rate (10 min at 190 °C). In addition, the TEA-mediated epoxy vitrimer can be decomposed in ethanol at a mild condition. Use of the alcoholyzed product for coating application is also demonstrated. This work provides a solution to eliminate the performance gap between conventional epoxy and epoxy vitrimer and offers a simple recycling method of epoxy vitrimer for potential coating application.