Mentors and Projects - Summer 2024
Applicants do not have to choose projects, but may indicate preference for up to three. Please note the mentor’s name to identify on the application form.
Mentor: Christian L’Orange
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Profile: https://www.engr.colostate.edu/me/faculty/dr-christian-lorange/
Research Interests:
- Air Quality Monitoring
- Low-Cost Sensors
- Engineering for Public Health
- Household Energy Systems
- Energy Access in The Developing World
AirGuard – Development of Tools for Deploying Air Quality Monitoring Networks for Emergency Response
In emergency response scenarios, the need for rapid and accurate air pollution sample collection can be critical in identifying potential hazardous scenarios and formulating effective mitigation strategies. However, challenges arise due to the dynamic nature of emergencies, requiring tools and protocols that can adapt swiftly to changing conditions, ensuring the collection of representative samples despite time constraints and unpredictable environmental factors. Considerations for such tools include physical embodiment of samplers, programming of device and data transfer methods, and automated data analysis. Students participating in this work would have an opportunity to learn about the design and evaluation of air quality samplers, considerations for effective data collection and analysis, and have opportunities to participate in the hands-on collection of air quality samples.
Example Research Opportunities: CAD Modeling, Numerical Modeling, Experimentation Data Analysis, Sensor Design, Air Sampling Techniques
Mentor: John Volckens
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Profile: https://www.engr.colostate.edu/me/faculty/dr-john-volckens/
Research Interests:
-
Air Pollution
- Low Cost Sensors
Citizen-Science Technology for Healthy Living at Home
Air pollution exposure is one of the leading risk factors for premature morbidity and mortality globally. People living in the U.S. spend most of their time indoors at home. Accurate measurement of indoor air quality assumes critical importance as it plays a pivotal role in characterizing personal air pollution exposures and informing policy- and household-level interventions to reduce exposures and exposure disparities. In this study, we will use the Home Health Box (HHB) to measure indoor air quality in homes occupied by racially and ethnically- diverse residents. The HHB, a small, portable, quiet air pollution monitor, utilizes a combination of low-cost real-time sensors and reference-quality time-integrated samplers to measure the concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Based on the HHB measurements, a Home Health Report (HHR) will be generated for each enrolled residence, succinctly summarizing indoor air quality results and suggesting potential actions to mitigate indoor air pollution. The REU student will have the opportunity to engage in HHB-related tasks, processing air pollution samples, gaining insights into air pollution data analysis methodologies, and contributing to the generation of the HHRs.
Example Research Opportunities: CAD Modeling, Experimentation, Data Analysis, Environmental Monitoring, Sensor Design, Air Sampling Techniques
Mentor: Jianguo Zhao
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Profile: https://www.engr.colostate.edu/me/faculty/dr-jianguo-zhao/
Research Interests:
- Robotics and Control
Advanced Mobile Robotics for Indoor Air Quality Monitoring
This project focuses on the creation and enhancement of a mobile robotic system dedicated to monitoring indoor air quality. The robot is expected to locomote in cluttered indoor environments without difficulty (e.g., climbing stairs). We have developed an initial prototype of this robot based on tensegrity structures — a self-tensioning system consisting of rigid bars and cables. The REU student is expected to work with other students in the lab to advance both the mechanical design and control algorithms of the robot. Eventually, it is expected a robotic system that can traverse and continuously assess air quality within various indoor settings.
Example Research Opportunities: CAD Modeling, Experimentation, Robotics, Manufacturing
Mentor: Ellison Carter
Department: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Profile: https://www.engr.colostate.edu/ce/ellison-carter/
Research Interests:
- Air Quality
- Exposure Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Health Impacts of Air Pollution
- Housing and the Built Environment
Home Health Box
The Home Health Box project involves deployment of repeated measures of in-home air quality in Colorado homes. These measurements are used to develop a report on in-home air quality for residents that includes actionable recommendations on ways to improve in-home air quality. We are investigating the effect of this treatment.
Example Research Opportunities: Data Analysis, Environmental Monitoring, Social Sciences, Air Sampling Techniques, Air Pollution Control Technologies
Mentor: Christian L’Orange
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Profile: https://www.engr.colostate.edu/me/faculty/dr-christian-lorange/
Research Interests:
- Air Quality Monitoring
- Low-Cost Sensors
- Engineering for Public Health
- Household Energy Systems
- Energy Access in The Developing World
Off-grid Air Pollution Monitoring Network in Extreme Temperature Conditions
Students participating in this project will contribute to the development and testing of outdoor air pollution monitors. These monitors aim to operate solely on solar power, facilitating off-grid functionality. A key objective of this work is to support a NASA-funded study focused on gathering ground-based measurements for the calibration of future air pollution satellites. Given the diverse environmental conditions in which this monitoring network will operate, the goal is to achieve monitors capable of withstand extreme low and high temperatures and wirelessly transmit data in low-connectivity regions of the world. The project will provide opportunities for hands-on experience for students but also plays a pivotal role in advancing technology for enhanced air quality data collection in challenging settings.
Example Research Opportunities: CAD Modeling, Numerical Modeling, Experimentation Data Analysis, Sensor Design, Air Sampling Techniques, Programming
Mentor: Ciprian Dumitrache
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Profile: https://www.engr.colostate.edu/me/faculty/dr-ciprian-dumitrache/
Research Interests:
- Plasma Combustion
- Plasma Spectroscopy
Retrofitting of a Radiant Tube Burner for Hydrogen Combustion
The REU fellow will work with a graduate student in my group on retrofitting a radiant tube burner that typically operates with natural gas to run on hydrogen. The burner is used for decarbonizing the industrial heat processing sector. By converting the burner to hydrogen one can completely eliminate carbon emissions (soot, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide etc).
Example Research Opportunities: CAD Modeling, Experimentation, Data Analysis, Manufacturing, Air Sampling Techniques
Mentor: Reza Nazemi
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Profile: https://www.engr.colostate.edu/me/faculty/dr-reza-nazemi/
Research Interests:
- Renewable Energy Utilization
- Future electrification
- Decarbonization
Sustainable Recovery of Nitrogen-based Compounds from Manure Wastewater
In this project, we aim to design materials and systems to capture and convert valuable compounds in the waste stream into useful fuels and chemicals.
Example Research Opportunities: Experimentation
Mentor: Bret Windom
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Profile: https://www.engr.colostate.edu/me/faculty/dr-bret-windom/
Research Interests:
- Combustion
- Chemical Energy Conversion
- Physiochemical Characterization of Alternative Fuels
- Internal Combustion Engines
- Laser Based Diagnostics
- Propulsion
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Hydrogen Generation and Storage
Our hydrogen generation and storage installation project is a pioneering endeavor aimed at enabling advancement in the field of sustainable energy. The central effort of this project is the installation of a 120 kW proton exchange membrane (PEM) hydrogen electrolyzer, complemented by a high-pressure compressor, storage tanks, and dispensing equipment. This cutting-edge setup is designed to produce hydrogen in bulk to meet the research demands of CSU’s Powerhouse facility. Furthermore, it will serve as a practical test bed for evaluating and refining electrolysis technologies developed in-house. Beyond its primary research function, there’s potential for this installation to act as a public-facing hydrogen refueling station, marking a significant step towards sustainable transportation solutions.
Given that the installation of this system is not yet complete, students participating in the project will engage in hands-on, experiential learning through a range of manufacturing and commissioning tasks. They will be directly involved in critical aspects such as piping in equipment, wiring systems, and general troubleshooting. This involvement offers a unique opportunity for students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world applications, enhancing their technical skills and understanding of hydrogen energy systems. By contributing to the setup and operational optimization of this facility, students will gain valuable hands on experience with the hydrogen technologies that are likely to power our future.
Example Research Opportunities: CAD Modeling, Manufacturing
Mentor: Bret Windom
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Profile: https://www.engr.colostate.edu/me/faculty/dr-bret-windom/
Research Interests:
- Combustion
- Chemical Energy Conversion
- Physiochemical Characterization of Alternative Fuels
- Internal Combustion Engines
- Laser Based Diagnostics
- Propulsion
Fundamental Combustion Studies of Ammonia/Hydrogen Blends in a Rapid Compression Machine to Enable Carbon Free Energy Technologies
This project is centered on the combustion characteristics of ammonia/hydrogen blends, utilizing a rapid compression machine equipped with advanced instrumentation. Ammonia (NH3) is a promising alternative carbon-free fuel, but one that often requires partial reformation into hydrogen (H2) to achieve balanced combustion characteristics. This project’s main objective is to identify optimized ammonia/hydrogen mixtures that facilitate ideal combustion in conventional spark-ignited internal combustion engines. The collected data will separately be applied as part of a broader initiative to develop a plasma-based ammonia reformer envisioned to be installed on future ammonia-fueled vehicles.
Students involved in this project will have the opportunity to work closely with a graduate researcher in CSU’s rapid compression machine laboratory. Their role will involve conducting fundamental combustion experiments to develop an understanding of the intricate dynamics of ammonia/hydrogen combustion. The student will be responsible for compiling and interpreting complex data sets and will gain invaluable insights into combustion science and its applications in developing sustainable energy solutions.
Example Research Opportunities: Experimentation, Data Analysis
Mentor: Dan Olsen
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Profile: https://www.engr.colostate.edu/me/faculty/dr-daniel-b-olsen/
Research Interests:
Internal Combustion Engines
Energy Systems
- Renewable Fuels
Crankcase Gas Rerouting/Filtration System to Reduce Crankcase Methane Emissions from Lean-burn NG Engines
This work will focus on emissions reduction and efficiency improvements for industrial natural gas engines and associated equipment. The specific project listed is a likely/typical project where we are designing and installing a closed crankcase ventilation system to reduce methane emissions.
Example Research Opportunities: CAD Modeling, Experimentation, Data Analysis, Air Pollution Control Technologies