APSC-100 Module 1: Problem solving and modeling
Assignment
Enthalpy wheel assessment (MEA 2)
Purpose
The purpose of this assignment is to introduce a realistic engineering problem that will require both
mathematical modeling and use of a variety of factors in decision making. MATLAB is used as a modeling tool.
Engineering Attributes
This assignment focuses on the following engineering attributes:




Problem analysis (complex problem solving, argumentation, modeling)
Design (design tools like evaluation matrices and concept maps)
Professionalism (non-technical factors in decision making)
Lifelong learning (assessing the credibility of information)
Assignment instructions
In this scenario you (a pair of students) are working for the Physical Plant Services at Queen’s University; this is
the department responsible for making recommendations for new building construction and for maintaining
existing buildings. You have received the email below from your (fictitious) supervisor asking for a supported
opinion on an enthalpy wheel in the new Teaching Space Complex.
For this assignment, you will work in partners to make recommendations for an enthalpy wheel. You should use
MATLAB for the analysis, and any tools appropriate tools discussed in APSC-100 (e.g. complex problem solving
process, concept maps, evaluation matrices, principles for argumentation, etc.)
Submission format
You are to submit your response as a document (Word document or PDF) with a cover page that includes the
assignment name, your name, student number, and date, followed by a report with the sections outlined above,
and your MATLAB code pasted into an appendix at the end of your document. The appendix should also describe
how each partner contributed to the assignment.
The submission should not exceed 8 pages (excluding cover page and appendix), but you should focus on the
quality of the work rather than the length of the report. Meaning, the report can be less than 8 pages if you can
fit all the required information in as shown in the rubric. Figures and tables should be compact but easily
readable. Your plots and analysis should support claims.
The assignment is to be completed in pairs and submitted in Moodle. You are free to discuss ideas with
classmates provided all work in the report is your own. You should consult the APSC-100 Module 1 syllabus for
APSC-100 Module 1: Problem solving and modeling
details about expectations for academic integrity (page 7-8 in the syllabus). Submissions will be examined for
evidence of copying.
Grading
0
(not
demonstrated)
Information
summary
(Lifelong learning)
Codes and
associations
(Professionalism)
Analysis
(Problem analysis)
Model results
(Problem analysis)
Decision making
(Design)
Argumentation
(Problem analysis)
1-2
(below)
3-4
(marginal to meets
expectation)
5-6
(very good to outstanding)
Information not
identified
properly, no
information, or
information
copied from
assignment.
Some important
information or biases
not identified, or
trivial/incorrect
information included.
Assesses credibility of
information, including
uncertainty and biases.
Meets expectations plus:
No references to
standards/codes
or associations
Important factors
missed.
Recommendations
supported by applicable
codes and/or standards
from identified
associations
Meets expectations plus:
No analysis, or
model/analysis
selected is
inappropriate
Model/analysis is not
sufficient to make
reasonable
conclusions; errors in
analysis or
inappropriate
assumptions.
Creates quantitative
models or analysis in
MATLAB using
reasonable
approximations and
assumptions.
Meets expectations plus:
No evaluation of
solution.
Superficial evaluation
of solution
Evaluates validity of
results and model for
error, uncertainty
Meets expectations plus:
Includes information from
authoritative sources to
inform process, model, and
conclusions.
Describes under what
conditions codes/standards
are applicable
Sophisticated
model/analysis supported
by information sources
Evaluates model conclusions
and presents potential
improvements to the
models.
No tool use or
rationale for
decision making.
Tools used for
decision making, but
process marginally
supported (e.g.
arbitrary weights
assigned to criteria)
Applies decision making
tool to make supported
recommendation based
on technical and nontechnical factors
Meets expectations plus:
Unsupported or
trivial arguments
Arguments include
some but not all
critical elements
Makes claims supported
by data and backing,
with appropriate
qualifiers
Claims supported by
authoritative backing and
comprehensive description
of context in which they
apply.
Comprehensive overview of
factors with supporting
evidence from outside
information and analysis
APSC-100 Module 1: Problem solving and modeling
Fictitious email received by your team from your supervisor
Date: October 28, 2011
From: Patricia Stewart
Subject: Enthalpy wheel assessment for Teaching Space Complex
To: {Your team}
Dear team,
As you know, the university is planning for a new Teaching Space Complex on the corner of Union and Division
streets. We are interested in incorporating sustainable energy systems into the new structure, both for
educational purposes, and to show leadership in environmental stewardship. E.g., see a news article at
http://www.queensu.ca/news/articles/building-future.
I am asking our staff to investigate energy recovery ventilation, solar panels, geothermal energy, a green roof,
and other potential energy-saving approaches. I would like your team to investigate energy recovery ventilators
(ERV).
The LiveBuilding system in Beamish-Munro Hall provides real data on one operational ERV in Kingston, an
enthalpy wheel. I would like you to analyze the energy savings of this enthalpy wheel to inform your
recommendation.
In your recommendation, I would like you to include the following:

Analysis of the efficiency of the enthalpy wheel in Beamish-Munro Hall, including supply and return air
effectiveness, equivalent amount of natural gas saved and CO2 emissions reduced as a result of using the
wheel. Please ensure that you include a description of the conductions under which the wheel operates,
and ensure that your analysis covers typical weather over the course of a year in Kingston.

Samples of three authoritative references that provide information to help us make a decision on an ERV,
with your analysis of how they apply to our situation. Ensure the references are properly cited so that we
can go back to the sources later. You may include the samples as screenshots embedded in your report,
or quoted text; please ensure that you are clear about which material is from other sources. We would
like to know about applicable standards and codes from applicable associations. Please compare
representative options for ERVs, including enthalpy wheels.

Based on the two items above, assess the net costs and benefits of the wheel based on appropriate
factors, and make a supported recommendation for whether or not we should proceed with a request
for information (RFI) from suppliers for an ERV. I am particularly interested in factors including human
health and working conditions, energy savings, cost, environmental impact, and potential for education.
APSC-100 Module 1: Problem solving and modeling
In doing some preliminary research I found that the LiveBuilding website has some useful information on
enthalpy wheels, including the operator’s manual for that enthalpy wheel. It might be useful for you. It’s at:
http://livebuilding.queensu.ca/green_features/enthalpy_wheel
Please provide your analysis in a report addressed to me.
Thanks,
Patricia
-Patricia Stewart
Manager, Sustainable Building Systems
Physical Plant Services
Queen’s University