David M. Potchak

ABET Assessment

Total Score of 33 out of 36

AE 481W/482 Course Reflection

My Senior Thesis experience has, overall, been a positive one.  Starting in the summer before my fifth year, the first step was selecting the right building for the analysis.  Having an internship with Kling at the time proved to be beneficial, in that I had working experience on several projects.  Of these possible options, I chose the DEA Clandestine Laboratory Training Center due to the multiple functions of its spaces and the varying mechanical systems that served these spaces.  Kling graciously provided the design documents, and I received much help and advice along the way from several of the mechanical engineers there.

After spending the fall analyzing the existing systems in place, the next step was to propose a redesign of certain aspects of the project.  From completion of the preliminary technical assignments, it became apparent what course of action to take in the redesign process.  Because no heat recovery equipment was specified in the present design, I chose to recover wasted energy from both laboratory exhaust air and relief air from classrooms and offices.  In order to determine the energy savings achievable, Microsoft Excel was used to model the heat recovery methods.  One of the many positives taken from my thesis experience was learning how to communicate with manufacturing representatives.  In attempting to obtain information for my model, I learned how much time is necessary to receive the needed equipment specifications.  

The results of the analysis depicted that the specified equipment saved both energy and money.  If I were specifying new equipment again, however, I would consider a run-around glycol loop for the laboratory heat recovery.  This would minimize duct reconfiguration that would be necessary with the heat pipe specified in my redesign.  

CPEP & Discussion Board Reflection

Maintaining the CPEP site, although apparently a burden at first, proved to be quite beneficial in the end.  Many interested parties, from professionals to friends and family, were able to follow my progress throughout the thesis process.

The discussion board was a great asset for my thesis project.  The professionals on the mentor board provided a breadth of knowledge and experience covering virtually any topic one could inquire about.  Their willingness to help and their prompt responses further enhanced their value to the students.