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（和数量有限的高中生）参与一系列由学生主导的生物质可再生能源研究活动。学生根据现有的生物质资源设计和实施自己的研究计划。 采用以学生为主导的调查方法是生物质可再生能源教育的一种潜在变革模式。 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，气化生物质以产生可燃合成气，使用合成气驱动内燃机和发电机，为电池组充电，并逆变以提供110 VAC功率输出。通过参与设计和实施一个完整的可再生能源发电和利用循环的经验，本科生开发一个真实的激情，知识和技能，使用可再生能源。 目前正在编写示范性学习材料，以便其他高等教育机构将这一方法纳入各自的课程。 通过系统的评估，该项目增加了我们对学生如何通过一系列学生主导的研究活动学习生物质可再生能源的知识。 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.