Enhancing Undergraduate Education Through Student-Led Research in Biomass Renewable Energy

该项目采用研究性学习模式，让本科生（以及数量有限的高中生）参与一系列以学生为主导的关于生物质可再生能源的研究活动。学生根据可利用的生物质资源设计并实施自己的研究计划。采用学生主导的调查方法是生物质可再生能源教育的潜在变革模式。学生识别生物质来源，测试生物质的热值和水分含量，将生物质加工成有用的形式，将生物质气化产生可燃合成气，利用合成气驱动内燃机和发电机，给一组电池充电，并逆变提供110伏交流电输出。通过参与设计和实施一个完整的可再生能源发电和利用周期的经验，本科生培养了使用可再生能源的真正的激情，知识和技能。正在编写示范学习材料，使其他高等教育机构能够将这种方法应用到它们各自的课程中。通过系统的评估，该项目通过一系列学生主导的研究活动，增加了我们对学生如何学习生物质可再生能源的了解。该项目有助于国家努力减少对外国石油的依赖，并为子孙后代维持可持续的社会、经济和环境系统。

Using an investigative learning model, this project is engaging undergraduate students (and a limited number of high school students) in a series of student-led research activities on biomass renewable energy. Students design and implement their own research plans based upon available biomass resources. The adoption of a student-led investigative approach is a potentially transformative model in biomass renewable energy education. Students identify biomass sources, test heat value and moisture content of the biomass, process the biomass into a useful form, gasify the biomass to produce combustible syngas, use the syngas to drive an internal combustion engine and an electrical generator, charge a bank of batteries, and invert to provide 110 VAC power output. Through the experience of participating in design and implermentation of a complete cycle of renewable energy generation and utilization, undergraduate students develop a real passion, knowledge and skill for using renewable energy. Exemplary learning materials are being developed to enable other higher education institutions to transfer the methodology into their respective curricula. With a systematic assessment, the project adds to our knowledge of how students learn biomass renewable energy through a series of student-led research activities. The project contributes to the national effort to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and to maintain a sustainable social, economic and environmental system for many generations to come.