Contents
PROJECTS DAY
May 11, 2016
Civil Engineering
A Statistical Approach to Analyze Engineering Estimates and Bids
Downtown Fresno Redevelopment Project
Hume Lake Dam Replacement and Hydropower Project
Kettleman City Surface Water Treatment Plant
Parkfield­Coalinga Road Bridge Replacement Study
Subdivision Development in Southeast Clovis
Venice Island Community
Water Reclamation Treatment Plant & Purple Pipe Distribution
System
Westside Corporate Farm Development
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Computer & Electrical Engineering
Altec GEMS Modeling and Simulation
Ball­Balancing Robot
Digital Chess Board
E‐Stop’s Juncton‐Box
Ewon Demo (VIP)
FM­CW Radar
HMI (VIP)
Laser Upgrade (VIP)
Remote Control Surveillance Vehicle
Rotary Stewart Platform (6 DOF Hexapod)
Standalone Hangul OCR Scanner
Tabletop Wireless Power Transfer System
Time Controlled Variable Sharging
Vehicle Detection
Wireless Car Seat Monitor
Word Recognition Based on Previous Samples
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
Contents Continued ... PROJECTS DAY
Construction Management
CCLF Community Center Competition
Gottschalks Building
NCCLF​
Community Park Mosqueda
Ted C. Wills Community Center Renovation Proposal
Tiny House Project
University Student Union Building Design
30
31
32
33
34
35
Geomatics Engineering
Creation of New Target for Laser Scanner
Photogrammetry and Surveying Practices in Forensics
Subsidence Monitoring GPS
Volume Computations Comparisons
36
37
38
39
Liberal Studies
Teaching Engineering Concepts with Popsicle Sticks Bridge
Teaching Engineering Practices to Elementary Students with
Straw Towers
40
41
Projects Day 2016 2
Contents Continued ...
PROJECTS DAY
Mechanical Engineering
300 Ton Press Conveyor (VIP)
Air Cylinders and Servo Motors (VIP)
Auto­Tee Automatic Golf Ball Dispenser
Chilled Water System Efficiency Study (VIP)
Circuit Stacker and Mobile Lift Table
Cogeneration Plant Powered by Lithium Bromide Absorption
Chiller
Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) Analysis of a
Drip Line Hydrocyclone
Conveyor Guarding (VIP)
Cooling of a 3D Print
Decanter Centrifuge (VIP)
Design and Analysis of 3D­Printed Prosthesis
Distillery Material Processing (VIP)
Economical Angle of Attack Indicator
Food Safety Modernization Act Covers
Formula SAE Suspension Design
Fresno State Formula SAE
Fresno State goes 100% PV
Fume extractor and Ammonia Skid (VIP)
Geothermal Power Plants
Gravity Flat Bed Coolant Filter System
Gusmer Enterprises, Inc. Internship (VIP)
Human Powered Mechanical Walking Exoskeleton
Hydrogen Fuel Cells ­ Car Applications
Hydrokinetic Wave Power
International Paper Foodservice Business Internship (VIP)
International Paper Foodservice Projects (VIP)
Keystone Boiler Renovation (VIP)
Leaf Spring Efficiency Project (VIP)
Leprino Food Center Drive Convey Project (VIP)
Magnetorheological Knee Version2
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
Contents Continued ...
PROJECTS DAY
Mechanical Engineering Continued ...
Manually Powered Mechanical Exoskeleton
Manual Wheelchair Power Add­On Unit
Mechanical Exoskeleton for Paraplegics
Mechanical Paraplegic Walking Exoskeleton
Numerical Study on the Effect of Cubical Control Elements on
Laminar Airflows over a Flat Plate
Ocean Current Power Generation
Ohio Lock and Dam 52 and 53 Hydroelectric Upgrade
Parkinson’s Tremor
Phone Grip for People with Hand Disabilities
Press Brake Sheet Follower
Pump Testing
PVT Cooling
Recycling of Si PV Modules
SERPA Packaging Solutions Project (VIP)
Solar PV
Solid Oxie Feul Cell Sportsmobile West Poptop Assembly­Ford Transit RB
Standardized Box Quality Control
Switchgrass Fueled Biomass Power Plant
The Lamella­ A Wastewater Processing Machine (VIP)
Thiele Technologies Motion Profile Vacuum Pick Project
Trash Compactor
UAV for Personal Security
Vehicle Hybrid System
Vibration/Strain Testing (VIP)
Waste Heat Recovery Systems
Wave Power Desalinization Plant
Projects Day 2016
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
4
A
STATISTICAL
ANALYZING
APPROACH
TO
ENGINEERING
ESTIMATES
AND
BIDS
PROJECT LEAD:
Roshanak Farshifpour
PROJECT ADVISOR:
Dr. Fariborz Tehrani
The intent of this research is to develop a methodology to
assess the accuracy in engineering estimates in relation to
the final project cost.
A systematic review of previous data obtained and a
synthesis of the literature review were employed. Sample
projects, advertised amongst a specific time period, were
selected for this study.
Statistical distributions were acquired for the initial project
estimate and bids were received for each project. Further
analysis exhibited the significance of different strategies
applied, including lowest bid, average bid, etc., in
comparison with the engineer estimate.
In addition, analysis of the cost estimate amongst differing
stages of the project were also presented. In order to
decrease the gap that exists between the predicted and final
costs, a variety of approaches were taken toward adjusting
the initial estimate values. These adjustments aim towards
providing a range of estimates within the scope of the final
project cost.
Civil Engineering
DOWNTOWN
FRESNO
REDEVELOPMENT
PROJECT
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Isiah Quintanilla
Teagan Zoldoske
Andreina Aguilar
Roger Ngoga
Abraham Soto
Brittney Vasquez
PROJECT ADVISORS:
Dr. Ching C. Choo; Dr. Fayzul Pasha; Dr. Arezoo
Sadrinezhad; Dr. Aly Tawfik; Dr. William Wright;
Dr. Fariborz Tehrani
Greg Gross; Francisco V. Magos II;
Rick Ransom; Kevin Smith; Dr. Zheng Teng The City of Fresno has aimed to revitalize blighted areas of
the city such as Downtown Fresno for decades. With the help
of private developers new hubs and apartments have been
created. However, there are still areas in desperate need of
revitalization. The Railroad District is one of these areas.
Located in Southeast Fresno, at the cross streets of State
Route 41 and Ventura Avenue, the area is on the edge of the
revitalization zone and within walking distance of Amtrak and
many other amenities; making it a prime candidate for
revitalization. This project aims to design a wastewater plant,
apartment complex, water distribution system, and address
several transportation related issues.
Civil Engineering
Projects Day 2016 6
HUME
AND
LAKE
DAM
REPLACEMENT
HYDROPOWER
PROJECT
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Antonio Cisneros
Jose Correa
Andrew D’Olier
Chirs Kelly
Joey Sisk
Scott Tigson
Jordan Weiss
The Hume Lake Dam Replacement and Hydro-Power Storage
project consists of the replacement of the existing and
deteriorating Hume Lake Dam structure with a new dam with
the potential for creation of a hydroelectric facility. This
project is a diverse multidisciplinary civil engineering project
and includes geotechnical analysis of the soil and foundation,
a hydrologic analysis of the surrounding watershed, design of
a spillway, and alignment of a hydropower system and facility.
The Hume Lake Dam Replacement and Hydro-Power Storage
project also includes the design of stream flow management
strategies to ensure the safety of the surrounding area
throughout the construction process. The existing dam was
constructed over a hundred years ago, and currently faces
deterioration from age and thus, is susceptible to earthquake
induced damages. This project vastly improves the safety of
the dam and the hydroelectric power generation system
provides a source of clean and renewable energy.
Civil Engineering
KETTLEMAN
WATER
CITY
SURFACE
TREATMENT
PLANT
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Addison Kimbler­Cantu
Caitlin Juarez
Jermaine Knox
Luis Hermosillo
PROJECT ADVISORS
Dr. Ching C. Choo; Dr. Fayzul Pasha; Dr. William
Wright; Dr. Lubo Liu; Dr. Fariborz Tehrani;
Stephen Spencer
The Hume Lake Dam Replacement and Hydro-Power Storage
project consists of the replacement of the existing and
deteriorating Hume Lake Dam structure with a new dam with
the potential for creation of a hydroelectric facility. This
project is a diverse multidisciplinary civil engineering project
and includes geotechnical analysis of the soil and foundation,
a hydrologic analysis of the surrounding watershed, design of
a spillway, and alignment of a hydropower system and facility.
The Hume Lake Dam Replacement and Hydro-Power Storage
project also includes the design of stream flow management
strategies to ensure the safety of the surrounding area
throughout the construction process. The existing dam was
constructed over a hundred years ago, and currently faces
deterioration from age and thus, is susceptible to earthquake
induced damages. This project vastly improves the safety of
the dam and the hydroelectric power generation system
provides a source of clean and renewable energy.
Civil Engineering
Projects Day 2016 8
PARKFIELD-COALINGA
BRIDGE
REPLACEMENT
ROAD
STUDY
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Julio Bustos
Jonathan Esteban
Paul Flores
Harrison Hughes
Ryan Muwanes
Annemarie Schwanz
PROJECT ADVISORS
Dr. Lubo Liu; Dr. Fayzul Pasha; Dr. Fariborz Tehrani; Dr. Ching
Chiaw Choo; Dr. Arezoo Sadrinezhad; Dr. Aly Tawfik
John Degunya; Benjamin Holton; Roberto Castro; John Drury
The Parkfield-Coalinga Road Bridge is located just southeast of
Parkfield, CA and spanning across Little Cholame Creek.
Parkfield is known as an active seismic zone. The existing bridge
is located directly in the San Andreas Fault zone. Due to the
frequent amount of earthquakes and constant movement of the
fault line, the bridge is damaged and consistently in repair.
The need to increase the safety of drivers passing over the
bridge is essential. The purpose of this project is to select a
bridge superstructure, and analyze different locations for
construction of a new bridge that will best mitigate the primary
and secondary problems with this project. Civil Engineering
SUBDIVISION
IN
DEVELOPMENT
SOUTHEAST
CLOVIS
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Taylor Debler
Salim Naamouche
Hannah Salafia
Corey Walker
Zachary Woods
Travis Young
PROJECT ADVISORS
Dr. Lubo Liu; Dr. Fayzul Pasha; Dr. Aly Tawfik;
Dr. Fariborz Tehrani; Dr. Arezoo Sadrinezhad; Dr. William Wright
Stanley Harbour; Keith Mortensen;
Jeffrey Woods; Jose L. Benavides
Residential subdivision development is a booming industry
across the United States and requires the skills of the civil
engineer to successfully design a thriving community. This
project encompasses all the aspects of subdivision design
ranging from layout of sewer and water systems to the design of
houses and foundations, and calculating width of roads for
additional traffic. This presentation shows how civil engineers
transform empty lots to thriving communities and provides a
sneak peek into the trade. Civil Engineering
Projects Day 2016 10
VENICE
ISLAND
COMMUNITY
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Cynthia Horner
Dmitriy Kulik
Jeovany Nunez
Alexandra Aguilar
Usama Albidah
Allen Khampraseuth
Malik Masri
The project is to provide services for the Venice Island
Community located just 20 minutes northwest of Stockton, CA,
on Venice Island. The completed project will cover a new 320
acre boating community, including a mixture of residential,
commercial and recreational areas; a bridge connecting Venice
Island to Bouldin Island; and an enhanced levee system. The
current phase of the project includes the design and foundation
for the recreation center, levee system, surface water treatment
plant, water distribution system, storm drain collection, and the
main roadway.
Civil Engineering
WATER
TREATMENT
PIPE
RECLAMATION
PLANT
AND
DISTRIBUTION
PURPLE
SYSTEM
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Jason Cunningham
Rachel Moore
Matthew Garcia
Reynaldo Luna
Luis Valtierra
PROJECT ADVISORS:
Dr. Fayzul Pasha; Dr. Lalita Oka; Dr. William Wright; Dr. Lubo Liu;
Dr. Fariborz Tehrani; Justin Kempton
This project involves the design of a water reclamation
treatment plant and purple pipe distribution system for the City
of Modesto. The City of Modesto’s water supply has excessive
nitrate levels in the groundwater supply – its primary source of
water.
The project includes a design of a tertiary treatment plant at
the location of the city’s current wastewater treatment plant,
located on Sutter Avenue. The water reclamation treatment
plant is expected to treat a flow of 30 MGD to wastewater with
the capacity to increase to 40 MGD. In addition, the project
will require construction of a new two-story steel structure for
laboratory and administration buildings. The recycled water
produced from the treatment plant will be used for food crop
irrigation for farmers and landscape irrigation for local golf
courses.
Civil Engineering
Projects Day 2016 12
WESTSIDE
CORPORATE
FARM
DEVELOPMENT
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Jennifer Felix
Don Tucker
Alex Moreno
Bryan Wood
Dustin Pattigan
PROJECT ADVISORS:
Dr. Arezoo Sadrinezhad; Dr Fayzul Pasha;
Dr. Fariborz Tehrani; Dr. Lubo Liu
The Westside Corporate Farm will feature approximately 1,200
acres of crops such as cotton, silage corn, wine grapes and
almonds. The presented phase of the project includes parking, a
dairy, and a wastewater treatment facility to treat water from
housing and dairy operations. This project incorporates design
tasks in the areas of water resources, structural, and geotechnical
engineering. The design team is developing selected components
of the farming operation including irrigation systems for crops; the
structural and geotechnical aspects of the wastewater treatment
facility; a water distribution system to convey water to the
housing; and storm drainage design for the housing and parking
areas on the farm.
Civil Engineering
ALTEC
GEMS
AND
MODELING
SIMULATION
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Javier Ramirez
Juan Escalante
Jose Gomez
PROJECT ADVISOR:
Dr. Woonki Na
SPONSOR:
Altec
In order to modify a system that is already built, it is
helpful to simulate it using software like Simulink. From the
simulation, parameters can be adjusted for new system
implementation. The main advantages for modeling a
system is to increase the quality, help reduce cost,
document and archive data.
Applications for this type of system is to use stored
electrical energy to power the aerial device, tools and
exportable power, and provides cab comfort. The energy
storage system is recharged by plugging into shore power
or by the trucks internal combustion engine. The
technology eliminates idle time, reduces fuel consumption,
lessens noise pollution, and decreases carbon footprint and
tailpipe emissions.
Computer & Electrical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 14
BALL-BALANCING
ROBOT
PROJECT LEAD:
Keith Johnson PROJECT ADVISOR:
Dr. Nan Wang The objective of this project was to build a robot capable of
autonomously balancing on a ball. The chassis of the robot was
designed with the wheel axes pitched at angles such that the
point of contact between the wheels and the surface of the
sphere were perpendicular, thereby achieving maximum traction
for the wheels. Utilizing omnidirectional wheels made the robot
capable of holonomic drive.
A 3-wheeled omnidirectional robot chassis was designed with
each wheel axis offset from the others by 120°. Gearbox DC
motors with 100:1 ratios were used and controlled with Dual HBridge motor drivers. Determination of the robot’s orientation
and angular speed was performed with a 9 degree of freedom
(DOF) inertial measurement unit (IMU). By applying proportionalintegral-derivative (PID) control to the the readings from the
IMU, the motors could be driven with appropriate pulse-width
modulated (PWM) speeds so as to maintain balance on the ball.
Computer & Electrical Engineering
DIGITAL
CHESS
BOARD
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Jesse Brown
Derick Kuntz PROJECT ADVISOR:
Dr. Daniel Bukofzer The goal of this project is to develop a functioning electrical
chess board that does not use any physical chess pieces. An
Arduino microprocessor is used in conjunction with a matrix
of LEDs and an LCD display to present all necessary
information to the users. A pushbutton matrix allows the
players to input all necessary data into the system in order to
virtually move the chess pieces. The design allows the
creation of all necessary inputs and outputs to the system for
two player or single player versus computer operation.
Computer & Electrical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 16
E-STOP’S
JUNCTION-BOX
PROJECT LEAD:
Jesse Brown
Derick Kuntz PROJECT ADVISOR:
Chuck Woodbury The motivation behind this project was to cut down hours
troubleshooting time into just minutes by the visual aid light
indicators on the j-box panel. The j-box works because all the
e-stops push buttons and door safeties switches were
connected in a series and a light was implemented to indicate
when there is a faulty wire in any of the e-stops and door
safeties occurred. This is helpful because all the e-stops and
the door safeties are run into the one centralized junction box
thus the troubleshooting will take place in one location.
Computer & Electrical Engineering
EWON
DEMO
(VIP)
PROJECT LEAD:
Ramiro Garza
PROJECT ADVISOR:
Alain Spalard
The Ewon Flexy and Ewon Cosy are both used to communicate
with devices over a network. These units offer remote access
across the internet to machines and installations in the field.
The Flexy unit is also a modular machine to machine (M2M)
router and a data gateway. The versatility of the Flexy allows
for more than one type of connection regardless of protocol
used. These Cosy and the Flexy were configured and
programmed to display some of the key features as well as
some applications an integrator may have. Computer & Electrical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 18
FM-CW
RADAR
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Lisa McWhorter
Seth Rash
PROJECT ADVISORS:
Dr. Woonki Na
Dr. Young Kim The objective of this project was to build a FM-CW radar
capable of processing information on range, Doppler velocity,
and SAR imaging. By developing MATLAB scripts for the
three modes of operation, we were able to understand and
apply communication techniques that are applicable toward
vehicle collision prevention, imaging and surveying for UAV’s,
and defense systems.
The main goals of the project were to build the FM-CW
radar, develop flow charts and code for supporting MATLAB
scripts for range, Doppler, and SAR imaging in order to test
the radar on real life applications, and to research additional
systems such as a jammer.
Computer & Electrical Engineering
HMI
(VIP)
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Honorio Martinez PROJECT ADVISORS:
Dr. Daniel Bukofzer
Greg Gutierrez
All of the HMIs (Human Machine Interface) are being
retrieved from the panelviews at POM WONDERFUL, Del Rey
CA. Most of the HMIs are old versions of Factorytalk View
ME (Machine Edition). The purpose is to get all of them in
case something happens during a power outage or during
production. In the future, these HMIs are going to be
converted from ME to SE, which will allow multiple users to
connect to the host server. At this moment, Most of the
HMIs project applications have being extracted from the
panel views already.
Computer & Electrical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 20
LASER
UPGRADE
(VIP)
PROJECT LEAD:
Honorio Martinez ADVISORS:
Dr. Daniel Bukofzer Brandon Abell
Stephen Kooi
The goal of the project was to replace the old laser and its
components in one of the bottling lines for the E & J Gallo
winery located in Modesto CA. The laser coder was
upgraded for better performance and reliability. Aside from
the installation of the new laser, other components were
updated as part of the Scope of Work as well. The logic of
the PLC, the HMI, and the electrical drawings were some of
the things we took into account. Another important aspect
of the project was time because we had everything on
schedule in accordance with the production department.
Computer & Electrical Engineering
REMOTE
CONTROL
SURVEILLANCE
VEHICLE
PROJECT LEAD:
Devon Cornel
ADVISORS:
Dr. Woonki Na
Dr. Hovannes Kulhandjian
SPONSOR:
Consolidated Mosquito Abatement District
The objective of this project is to construct a vehicle that
can find sources of mosquitoes in storm drains under
neighborhood streets. This vehicle must be able to maneuver
over various terrains including driving through water, uneven
cement, and over obstacles such as tree branches and trash.
This vehicle will be equipped with a live feed camera and
headlights to be able to transmit a live video feed to a
monitor for an individual to detect mosquito larva. This
vehicle will be controlled via a radio transceiver and have the
capability to drive autonomously down the storm drain pipe.
The vehicle utilizes two Arduino microprocessors to interface
with the RC receiver, distance transducers, HD infrared
camera, pan-tilt FPV live feed camera, SD card, and distance
transducers. Computer & Electrical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 22
ROTARY
(6
STEWART
DOF
PLATFORM
HEXAPOD)
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Travis Ashe
Joe Vang
ADVISORS:
Dr. Woonki Na
Dr. Wang
Programming and design of a rotary Stewart Platform, a six
degrees of freedom (6-DOF) positioning mechanism which
uses servo motors as actuators. A 9-DOF sensor will
wirelessly transmit positioning data to the platform
controller, which uses an inverse kinematics algorithm to
calculate the necessary rotational angles of the servos to
achieve the desired platform position. The platform was
designed using a CAD program, then 3-D printed to the
desired specifications. Xbee radios will be used for data
transmission between the two Arduinos. Computer & Electrical Engineering
STANDALONE
OCR
HANGUL
SCANNER
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Watson Tungjunyatham
Jae Kyung Yoon
ADVISORS:
Dr. Woonki Na
Peter Kinman
Newer technology allows the possibility to incorporate and
innovate products altogether. In this project, the objective
was to attempt using optical character recognition
techniques, or OCR, to analyze an image input and create
machine-encoded text that can be manipulated in various
ways. Considering this, the project specifically reads Korean
Hangul characters, and outputs them using a text-to-speech
method. Overall, these components pull together to create
one coherent system.
Needing software such as Qt Creator allowed flexibility
within integrating all the components together. It especially
becomes possible to cross-compile the project into a
standalone device as well. Cross-compilation, sadly, faces its
own unique challenges. Optical character recognition was
generally handled by the open-source software TesseractOCR.
Never underestimate the power of open-source libraries. It
can prove itself to be incredibly flexible, especially in this
project.
Computer & Electrical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 24
TABLETOP
WIRELESS
TRANSFER
POWER
SYSTEM
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Abhijit Suprem
Jaime Santiago
ADVISORS:
Dr. Woonki Na
Dr. Young Kim
SPONSOR
Lyles College Innoventures Grant
Recently, strongly coupled magnetic resonant wireless power
transfer (SCMR-WPT) has been a burgeoning research topic.
This project demonstrates a distributed systems approach to
multi-device wireless power transfer. An end-to-end tabletop
platform incorporating mathematical modeling, simulation,
design analysis, prototyping, and design validation is built.
The coil systems for the SCMR-WPT were modeled and their
transfer capabilities optimized using a combination of
stochastic and evolutionary algorithms. Simulation was
conducted in MultiSim to determine appropriate design
parameters for a high frequency oscillator and high efficiency
power amplifier, and a regulated DC Buck-Boost converted to
deliver required power to connected devices. The designed
coils' inductance were compared to approximated inductance
from the mathematical modeling and appropriate capacitances
were chosen for the desired resonance frequency of 1MHz. A
prototype coil platform was 3D printed to house the coil
systems. Computer & Electrical Engineering
TIME
CONTROLLED
VARIABLE
CHARGING
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Timothy VanderPloeg
Jason Hernandez
ADVISORS:
Dr. Daniel Bukofzer
Dr. Wookni Na
The goal of this project is to design and implement a
system that is able to supply a variable amount of current
for charging mobile devices, such as Android cell phones,
in order to prevent overcharging that often occurs during
lengthy overnight charging. The system implemented
additionally prevents possible battery heating problems by
using the lowest required charge rate consistent with a
charge completion time set by the user. The system determines and monitors the charging rate that
insures the mobile device will reach one-hundred percent
battery capacity at a prescribed user set time. Data is
collected from the mobile device via Bluetooth to allow a
history of charging conditions to be recorded in order to
create a charging profile for optimization. With the use of
this system, mobile devices can be expected to have
improved battery life.
Computer & Electrical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 26
VEHICLE
DETECTION
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Daniel Ciolkosz
Amarachi Egbuziem
Alan Miao
ADVISORS:
Dr. Daniel Bukofzer
The goal of this project is the design and implement an
automated parking lot monitoring system. Currently, Caltrans
performs a manual count of parked vehicles on a monthly
basis at Park n’ Ride lots. This is an outdated and expensive
method of monitoring parking lot utilization. A system of
inexpensive microcontrollers was designed and implemented
along with a sensor network to detect vehicles, and transfer
data to a Caltrans engineer. A small prototype system was
built to simulate a parking lot. Every parking stall has a
microcontroller equipped with a magnetic sensor, and a
WIFI transmitter.
The system is capable of detecting a vehicle, transmitting
and receiving data, and displaying if a vehicle is present at a
parking stall. A web interface has been created to display
the data collected to the Caltrans engineer in a clear and
useful manner.
Computer & Electrical Engineering
WIRELESS
CAR
SEAT
MONITOR
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Daniel Harris
Caleb Price
Alonso Jauregui
ADVISOR:
Dr. Daniel Bukofzer
The goal of this project is to prevent the tragic
consequences of caretakers absent mindedly leaving a
young child unattended in a locked car seat under hot
weather conditions.
This project implements a system of sensors and alarms to
wirelessly monitor the car seat and minimize the possibility
of leaving a child behind on the car seat. A pressuresensitive resistor on the seat is used to detect the presence
of a child in a car seat. A microcontroller, piezoelectric
buzzers, and cellular communication tools detect turning off
a car engine and the need for an alarm to be sent wirelessly
to an individual key chain alarm and/or cell phone if the
child is not removed within a set period of time. This alarm
system is intended to lower the probability of children dying
in a parked car.
Computer & Electrical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 28
WORD
RECOGNITION
PREVIOUS
BASED
ON
SAMPLES
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Shivani Kumar
Jaehoon Hwang
ADVISORS:
Dr. Woonki Na
Dr. Young Kim
SPONSOR:
Lyles College Innoventures Grant
The goal of this project is to design and implement a word
recognition system in order to identify both the word
verbally spoken and the individual speaking it. The system is
based on a catalogue of voice profiles containing speaker
pre-recorded words. Using a Linear predictive coding (LPC)
algorithm with the LPC Cepstrum of the voice recording, a
voice profile is created.
By utilizing techniques such as the Correlation Ratio,
Euclidean Distance, and kth nearest neighbor, samples are
analyzed and matched against catalogued voice profiles for
word and speaker recognition. Applications of this
technology can be found in areas where humans interact
with devices, such as cellphones and tablets and
word/speaker recognition could be used, for example, to
unlock a device. Computer & Electrical Engineering
CCLF
COMMUNITY
CENTER
COMPETITION
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Garrett Vermeltfoort
Alejandra Maravilla
Ricardo Gonzalez
ADVISOR:
Lloyd Crask
The project consists on upgrading a park/community center in
Fresno, CA. Project team members consists of Fresno State
students from Finance, Interior Design and Construction
Management. The park/community center assigned to the
team was the Fink White Park, located at 535 S. Trinity in
Fresno, CA. The construction management scope of work for
this project consists of assisting the design team and making
sure that everything is built to code. An estimate and schedule for the following updates to the
building will also be provided:
- Repairing any damage on the structure due to termites
- Replacing all of the flooring
- Change location of the storage door to the have access from
the inside
- Build wall to cover the water heater so it can be up to code
- Upgrading the restrooms and the kitchen
- Build a wall to separate the room from the common area and
study area
- Adding a new HVAC system
Construction Management
Projects Day 2016 30
GOTTSCHALKS
BUILDING
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Ricardo González
Cesar Rico Jr
Justin Carroll ADVISOR:
Lloyd Crask
The project consists on upgrading the old Gottschalks
building. It is a two story building and about 2,500 square-feet
on each floor. The goal of this project is to upgrade the
interior. The owner will house a farmers market on the first
floor and the second floor will consist of a culinary or beauty
school. The project team consists of Fresno State students from
Interior Design and Construction Management. The
construction management role in this project is to assist the
design team and make sure that everything is built to code. As
well as providing an estimate and schedule for the updates to
the building.
Construction Management
NCCLF
COMMUNITY
PARK
MOSQUEDA
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Cesar Rico Jr
Pablo Gallardo Oscar Saavedra
PROJECT ADVISOR:
Lloyd Crask
The Northern California Community Loan Fund (NCCLF) is
providing an opportunity for students to get involved and
use the skills they have developed in the classroom and
apply them to solve a Fresno community problem.
This year students from three majors, construction
management, interior design, and financing, were assigned a
park in Fresno that is long overdue for upgrades. The task is
to provide a feasible design and plan to action that Fresno
city park managers may use as a start to revitalizing the park
assigned to the team.
The plan consist of project drawings, schedule, estimate,
financial reports, and anything else that might be needed to
show the plans potential for approval by a panel of judges
and perhaps the City of Fresno.
Construction Management
Projects Day 2016 32
TED
C.
WILLS
COMMUNITY
RENOVATION
CENTER
PROPOSAL
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Alejandro Perez
Pamela Bobadilla
Mario Garzon
Tyera Tucay
Rachel Yang
Deanna Velazquez
Rubie Alvarado­Vega
Jennifer Khy
Tiffany Lee
PROJECT ADVISORS:
Lloyd Crask
Michael Sigala, Richard McQuone
Our group was assigned the Ted C. Wills community center
for the spring 2016 Community Facilities Challenge. The
most interesting aspect of this challenge was collaborating
and coordinating various aspects of the project with
students from the finance and interior design departments
in order to overcome the challenges we encountered.
Fortunately, the facility is in relatively good condition. The main design focus of the Ted. C. Wills center will be
the recreational room, as well as the stage in the
gymnasium. The facility will receive an increase in ADA
accessibility and lighting for the stage, new tables and
chairs, improved flooring, storage, and recreation room.
Construction Management
TINY
HOUSE
FRESNO
PROJECT
STATE
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Rodrigo Alcantar
Brian Llamas
Nicolas Azua
Zack Kazanjian
Thomas Dailey
Junior Vang
Cedric Ruterana
Edgar Ruiz
Jesus Ramirez
Mario Soto
Erica Bermudez
Tarryn Rennie
Nicholas Kazanjian
Gabe Hernandez
Tammy Lee
Angelo Jimenez
Brian Cregar
Tou Xiong
Cristian Ramirez PROJECT ADVISOR:
Brad Hyatt
SPONOSORS:
US Green Building Council, Central Valley
Ashwood Construction
Pacific Door
A&M Carpet
Central Air
Hodges Electric
Baisa Design Group
Dyson, Siegrist, & Janzen
Ortiz LED Solutions
Sol­Tek
Highlands Energy
Brott Mechanical
James & Company Lighting
The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is hosting the
Tiny House Competition on October 15, 2016. This is a home
building event, which will take place at Cosumnes River College
(CRC), in Sacramento. The colleges and universities participating
in the Tiny House Competition will explore zero-net energy
building, green building techniques, and sustainable living. Our
team is designing and building a tiny house that is approximate 300
square feet. Our homes will feature smart energy appliances, green
building techniques and the use of renewable energy, creating an
innovative net-zero home. Our prospect clients are recent Fresno
State graduates with degrees in Construction Management and
Mass Communication/Journalism.
Construction Management
Projects Day 2016 34
UNIVERSITY
STUDENT
BUILDING
FRESNO
UNION
DESIGN
STATE
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Alejandro Perez
Garrett Vermeltfoort
Cesar Rico
Mario Garzon
Pamela Bobadilla
PROJECT ADVISORS:
Lloyd Crask
The team is creating a conceptual redesign of the University
Student Union that will better service student and faculty
needs. The current USU is not capable of servicing the
population growth Fresno State has sustained since it was
constructed. It is much too small and outdated.
The new USU will be better hold events due to an improved
location with a large stage in the amphitheater area, as well as
hold several times the amount of seating, conference rooms,
and rooms for the student clubs and ASI. The new building
will also have several specialty features, such as a roof garden,
a staff collaboration area, and an open column of glass walls
that extend up through all four floors.
Construction Management
CREATION
OF
LASER
NEW
TARGET
FOR
SCANNER
PROJECT LEAD:
Ayad Ahmed
PROJECT ADVISOR:
Scott Peterson
This project is about to find an automated way to predict targets
for laser scanner when scanning based on linear equations by
creating a target that the scanner can read and find its center
automatically. Based on the point cloud intensity the scanner can
find the radius of at least four points on the target to find the
center of the target. This will help finding targets with minimal number of points on
the target which is going to help making it easier to register
stations even with bad reading of the targets. Also, it would
reduce the field work time by having further targets for more
stations sets. Geomatics Engineering Projects Day 2016 36
PHOTOGRAMMETRY
SURVEYING
IN
AND
PRACTICES
FORENSICS
PROJECT LEAD:
Luz E. Garcia PROJECT ADVISOR:
Dr. Riadh Munjy
Crime scene reconstruction could now be more efficient and
accurate when photogrammetry and surveying practices are
incorporated. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) imagery
and close range photography were used to scan a crime area,
which were then analyzed.
The analysis mainly focused in finding slopes, distances,
elevations, locations and objects that were found in the
scene. Close examinations were required to reconstruct the
scene. Photogrammetry helps create a framework of the
scene. Meanwhile, laser-scanner places objects into the
scene. These tools help create a 3-Dimensional image of the
crime scene, which can be re-visited any time without the
risk of contaminating evidence.
Geomatics Engineering SUBSIDENCE
MONITORING
USING
GPS
PROJECT LEAD:
Marcelo Romero PROJECT ADVISOR:
Dr. Mike Berber
24h monthly GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) data
spanning 5 years from 8 CORS (Continuously Operating
Reference Station) stations are processed and vertical
velocities of the_points are determined.
For the determinations, web-based GIPSY-OASIS (GNSSInferred Positioning System and Orbit Analysis Simulation
Software) software is used. The results are analyzed and
subsidence at these points are portrayed with graphics.
Geomatics Engineering Projects Day 2016 38
VOLUME
COMPUTATIONS
COMPARISONS
PROJECT LEAD:
Larry Empleo II
PROJECT ADVISOR:
Dr. Mike Berber and Scott Peterson
Volumes can be determined by using contours method, TIN
(Triangulated Irregular Network) and grid cell volume
computations. Laser scanner instruments may also be used
for volume computations. To put into practice, in this study,
volume of a mound is determined by using both
ScanStation2 and P20 laser scanners and the results are
compared against the results of contours method, TIN and
grid cell volume computations.
Geomatics Engineering TEACHING
ENGINEERING
CONCEPTS
POPSICLE
WITH
STICKS
BRIDGE
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Yadira Salazar
Marshall Gregory
Madison Fox
Katey Christiansen
Jacqueline Vera
Rhyann Feehan
PROJECT ADVISOR:
Dr. Fariborz Tehrani
The concept of the Popsicle Stick Bridge is to teach students
about the field of engineering by utilizing practices such as
project management, logistics, construction, and written
communications. The main objective is to build a stable and
strong structure that is aesthetically appealing. By utilizing
affordable materials such as Popsicle sticks teachers can afford
to bring this project to the classroom. Students paste together
Popsicle sticks with wood glue and at the end of the project, the
bridge is tested to sustain a certain amount of weight without
collapsing. This is an affordable opportunity to show students
that they can build a structure with simple materials. Liberal Studies
Projects Day 2016 40
TEACHING
TO
ENGINEERING
ELEMENTARY
WITH
STRAW
PRACTICES
STUDENTS
TOWERS
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Katie Callahan
Peter Moua
Sarah Schiltz
Bao Vang
Victoria Wootten
Yeng Xiong
PROJECT ADVISOR:
Dr. Fariborz Tehrani
In an effort to promote enhanced engineering education at the
elementary school level, an idea to design a lesson plan for
building towers was devised. A tower-like design was chosen
as elementary school children would likely be familiar with the
basic structure and should be able to create a variation of one.
Due to budget constraints, most American teachers prefer an
inexpensive product and therefore straws were chosen as the
primary material. After experimenting with several prototypes,
a multilevel free-standing structure with different types of
braces was produced. This presentation communicates the
potential of creating lesson plans that teach engineering
concepts to elementary school students through hands-on
activity and discovery.
Liberal Studies
300
TON
PRESS
CONVEYOR(VIP)
PROJECT LEAD:
Trey Carey
PROJECT ADVISORS:
Walter Mizuno
John Marr
The 300-ton conveyor project is a modular conveyor system
consisting of three separate roller conveyor assemblies. The
conveyor system is intended to move pallets of work in progress
parts off of the end of the production line in an efficient
manner. The goal of this project was to reduce the standard
cost and increase the capacity of parts produced on the 300-ton
press line by decreasing the amount of down time introduced in
the manufacturing process. My role in this project was the
design of the overall concept, as well as taking part in the
fabrication of the conveyor system. This conveyor system is
currently in production at Betts Company.
Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 42
AIR
CYLINDERS
MOTORS
AND
INTERNSHIP
SERVO
(VIP)
PROJECT LEAD:
Samim Mehrafar
PROJECT ADVISORS:
Walter Mizuno
Justin Neece
This project was completed at Serpa Packaging Solutions in
the Valley Industry Partnership for Cooperative Education
Program (VIP).The project was to research different types of
Air cylinders and Servo motors that the engineers use in the
process of designing the assembly line of different products.
The other purpose of the project was to create a layout of 3D
and 2D drawings of all the air cylinders, servo motors and all
their accessories. This layout would save time for the process
of designing the assembly line and it will help the engineers to
get all the information they need for air cylinders and servo
motors. Mechanical Engineering
AUTO-TEE-TM
AUTOMATIC
GOLF
BALL
DISPENSER
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Isaac Wall
Ben Fixel
Cody Gomes
Freddy Cortes
PROJECT ADVISORS:
Walter Mizuno
Justin Neece
The Auto-Tee is an automatic golf ball dispenser designed to place
a golf ball on a tee through a simple operation. The Auto-TeeTM is
a cost effective and efficient conveniently sized golf ball dispenser
that assists the user during golf practice. By helping the user set up
the ball, they may endure less back pain that setting up without the
device. The Auto-TeeTM is designed to hold nearly 100 golf balls.
The small insulated compartment is able to hold a six pack of
canned with room for icepacks. The Auto-TeeTM also has space
for extra tees, adjustable legs, and slot for a cell phone that will
amplify music. The Auto-TeeTM will be light and easy to carry –
made of all plastic, excluding the legs and bolts. The arm will be
detachable and the legs adjustable for easy storage. The bottom of
the box will be able to be removable for cleaning purposes. Access
to the insulated compartment will be through a door opposite of
the arm. Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 44
CHILLED
WATER
EFFICIENCY
SYSTEM
STUDY(VIP)
PROJECT LEAD:
Tyler Riley
PROJECT ADVISORS:
Walter Mizuno Arshdeep Singh
Varun Madnani, SPONSOR:
International Paper ­ Visalia
This project was part of Valley Industry Partnership for
Cooperative Education (VIP). International Paper in Visalia,
requires a large chilled water system to meet the machines
chilled water demand. Currently, there are two loops that supply
the plant with chilled water.
The eastern loop consists of three 40 ton Trane chillers. The
western loop consists of one 200 ton Trane chiller and two 125
ton Trane chillers. The goal of this project was to find and
implement effective system settings for the chilled water
system. Phase one of the project involves finding the optimal
operating settings. Phase two of the project includes combining
the two loops into one, eliminating inefficient chillers.
Mechanical Engineering
CIRCUIT
AND
MOBILE
STACKER
LIFT
TABLE
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Ramon Alcazar
Robin Jugao
Shannon Wilson
PROJECT ADVISOR:
Dr. The Nguyen
SPONSOR:
Evapco West – Brian Walker
The purpose of this project was to move evaporator coil circuits
from inside a bath to a lifting table in a more effective and timely
method than the current method employed at Evapco West and to
modify the existing scissor lift table and hydraulic system to be
easily moved between locations in the shop. The mechanism
created to move the circuits features four submerged pneumatic
cylinders that raise an aluminum frame and the circuits up to an
inclined angle using a set of hinges and sliders where the circuits
then slide off on to a scissor lift for the next phase of production.
The frame also features a slider in the front that absorbs any
incidental side load to the system. The other components were
made mobile by retrofitting the existing system with casters and
quick disconnects. Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 46
COGENERATION
BY
PLANT
LITHIUM
ABSORPTION
POWERED
BROMIDE
CHILLER
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Robin Jugao
Ramon Alcazar
Abdullatif Almakhayitah
Alec Wiens
Daniel Williams
PROJECT ADVISOR:
Ajith Weerasinghe
Cogeneration or combined heat and power (CHP) is the
simultaneous production of both heat and power. This
improves efficiency by using the waste heat developed in
power generation for heating water, space heating, and
cooling. This in turn, saves money and helps reduce
emissions that would have been incurred by producing power
separately for the heating and cooling. An absorption heat
pump is a thermally activated system with natural refrigerants
such as water/lithium bromide and ammonia/water pairs.
An absorption chiller with water and lithium bromide as
working fluids has been analyzed for use in cogeneration
applications.The lithium bromide salt acts as a desiccant; It
acts to lower the freezing point and increase the evaporation
point of the working fluid, thus conserving the liquid state for
longer and absorbing more latent energy which it will absorb
later on in the process when it does evaporate.
Mechanical Engineering
COMPUTATIONAL
(CFD)
DRIP
FLUID
ANALYSIS
LINE
DYNAMIC
OF
A
HYDROCYCLONE
PROJECT LEAD:
Christian Ramirez PROJECT ADVISOR:
Dr. Deify Law
In the present work, computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis of
an existing drip line hydrocyclone is presented in order to improve
the current design for agricultural irrigation systems by
understanding the effect of water flowrate on pressure drop and
head losses. When water flows through a pipe, the pressure
continuously drops in the stream wise direction because of
friction along the walls of the pipe.
It is common to express this pressure drop in terms of an
irreversible head loss. Numerical simulations are performed using
the commercial CFD code ANSYS FLUENT with the finite volume
method. The pressure drops of the hydrocyclone are computed
numerically and they are in reasonable agreement with the
experimental data provided by the Center for Irrigation
Technology at Fresno State. Additionally, the present work shows
head loss reduction by making changes to the existing
hydrocyclone design such as the length and diameter of the cavity
as well as the length of the outlet tube.
Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 48
CONVEYOR
GUARDING(VIP)
PROJECT LEAD:
Ezequiel Fregoso
PROJECT ADVISOR:
Mark Reimer
Adjustable guarding for a product line that will have a varied
box sizes is currently being designed. The guarding was
modeled and designed in SolidWorks. The main function of
the side guarding is to place the packed boxes in the same
location for the robot arm to palletize the boxes. There is a
left hand guard that is adjusted to the discharge plane, and
has an adjustable range of a couple inches. The right hand
guard is used to guide the box to the desired location. The
two guards can accommodate a 9”- 18” box. Theses guards are
going to mount on a conveyor. Mechanical Engineering
COOLING
OF
A
3D
PRINT
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Michael Grover
Grant Glazebrook
Gustavo Bustos
Eric Licciardello
Filament extruding printers have issues with printing overhangs,
which become stringy and lose their designed shape. To combat
this, printers use supports that increase cost and print time as
well as add an extra step in cleaning the printed product. Another
solution is rapidly cooling the filament to help a print keep its
shape and avoid any unwanted stringiness. By testing how well
cooling can improve overhangs and cooling affects spatial
resolution and material properties, with rapid cooling, we should
be able to make two parts very near each other without them
fusing
A control model to see at what angle the model becomes stringy
will be printed. Then set of ducts will be printed to have a
relatively even flow all around the nozzle. A microblower attached
at the other end of the vent. By varying the voltage input to the
fan the fan speed can be controlled. This, along with an IR
thermometer to measure the output temperature, will give provide
the variables. All other aspects of the print will be kept constant.
In addition, the cooling affects the material properties of the
printed filament will be addressed. To do this, several dogbones,
cooled and uncooled, of various layer orientations and running
tensile tests on them will be printed.
Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 50
DECANTER
CENTRIFUGE(VIP)
PROJECT LEAD:
Kurt Eulberg
SPONSOR:
E&J Gallo Winery
This project was part of Valley Industry Partnership for
Cooperative Education (VIP) program. The purpose of this
project is to monitor and record data for the new decanter
centrifuge system. The new decanter centrifuge system aims to
increase performance output and reduce energy consumption.
The main idea of the decanter centrifuge system is to separate
large amounts of solids from the liquid. It separates the solids
by a screw conveyor inside the decanter.
The screw conveyor spins at a high rate of speed, creating a
centrifugal force, to separate the solids from the liquid. The
solids are discharged into a dump truck to be dumped and used
for fertilizer. The liquids are discharged into a tank. Samples
are taken from the liquid discharge to measure solid
concentration. The samples are spun in a centrifuge to measure
percent solids. Depending on the percent solids, adjustments
can be made on the human machine interface (HMI) to
optimize the machine. However, Gallo requires the machine to
meet a performance specification called site acceptance testing
(SAT). If the machine meets the performance specification, the
machine will continue to be operated. Mechanical Engineering
DESIGN
AND
3D-PRINTED
ANALYSIS
OF
PROSTHESIS
PROJECT LEAD:
Shervin Zoghi
ADVISOR:
Walter Mizuno
It has been the intent of this project to test and build a low cost,
functional, aesthetic, and durable pediatric prosthetic arm. This is
a relatively new approach considering that for several decades,
prosthetic limbs were expensive, available to very few people, and
time intensive to make. In recent years however, the growth of
additive manufacturing and open-sourced designs have enabled
researchers and hobbyists to improve existing CAD drawings and
build better prostheses. Through engineering calculations,
SolidWorks modeling, finite element analysis, and 3D printing,
this project has begun developing into a comprehensive and
repeatable system for rapidly producing high-quality prototypes
inexpensively.
The analysis has also given credibility to the initial goal of finding
a durable and inexpensive way for producing these arms. Using a
25 lb external load, the preliminary calculations show a maximum
displacement of only 0.0035 inch, strain around 0.0002, tensile
strength well within the boundary limits of the tendons and ABS
plastic, and factor of safety above industry standard. Furthermore,
the average cost of building a working prototype is currently
around $300; with future iterations/upgrades and bulk purchasing
of parts, final costs are projected to drop to $150 an arm. Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 52
DISTILLERY
MATERIAL
PROCESSING(VIP)
PROJECT LEAD:
Saul Velazco
ADVISORS:
Walter Mizuno
Kurt Eulberg
SPONSOR:
E&J Gallo Winery
This project was part of Valley Industry Partnership for
Cooperative Education (VIP) program. The process involved in
making wine results in several byproducts, one of which is
distillery material, otherwise known as DM. DM is a sludge-like
material that settles at the bottom of wine tanks over time, it
can be composed of things such as grape skin, pulp, seeds,
stems, as well as many other solids mixed in grape juice.
Depending on the type of wine that is being processed, DM
can appear with up to 30 percent solids; the high percent of
solids, along with the composition of the material makes it
hard to process DM. One method in an attempt to recycle the
juice within DM is to utilize a belt press, which is composed of
two porous filter belts that essentially squeeze the liquid out of
the solids.
Mechanical Engineering
ECONOMICAL
ATTACK
ANGLE
OF
INDICATOR
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Freddy Cortes
Kyle Garrison
James Walker
Alec Wiens
ADVISORS:
Walter Mizuno
Angle of attack is simply the angle between a fixed reference on
the aircraft and the direction of the oncoming air, and all
pertinent performance targets can each be linked to a specific
angle that does not change due to weight, bank angle or g-load.
This information allows even a pilot with little experience in a
particular aircraft to maximize performance and safety in all
conditions.
While aftermarket kits are available for most popular aircraft,
many pilots do not fully understand the benefits of an angle of
attack indicator and are unwilling to pay the high cost of the kits
and the even higher cost of installation. The aim of this project
is to overcome these shortcomings by developing an angle of
attack indicator that is inexpensive and easy to install to
promote broader adoption.
Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 54
FOOD
SAFETY
ACT
MODERNIZATION
COVERS
(VIP)
PROJECT LEAD:
Tyler Riley
ADVISORS:
Walter Mizuno
Kurt Eulberg
SPONSOR:
E&J Gallo Winery
This project was part of Valley Industry Partnership for
Cooperative Education (VIP). At E&J Gallo Winery of Fresno,
there has been a push to meet the regulations of the Food
Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) by the beginning of crush.
FSMA is a federal law that aims to stop food borne allergies.
One of the requirements of FSMA is to have all processing
equipment covered from outside agents that could cause
contamination.
The goal of this project is to install covers on all outdoor
processing equipment. A major challenge in this project was
to not infringe on productions ability to operate even though
they no longer have vision of the product. This challenge was
overcome by designing the covers to be pneumatically
actuated with a series of HMI control screens. Mechanical Engineering
FORMULA
SAE
SUSPENSION
DESIGN
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Mathew Krentz
Mathew Rocca Cody Stauffer
Alexander Suarez
ADVISOR:
Walter Mizuno
SPONSOR:
Fresno State Bulldog Racing The Senior Design Formula SAE team is designing the suspension
system for Bulldog Racing. The team designed the suspension
system around the existing frame Bulldog Racing manufactured
for competition. A pushrod system in the rear of the vehicle with a
standalone shock mounted between the a-arms for the front
suspension will be used.
Longer A-arms, manufactured by the Senior Design team, will help
achieve the correct camber and create a stronger base for the
vehicle. The shocks have new Eibach coil overs with a greater
spring rate to help keep the frame off the ground. The uprights
are designed to distribute the forces evenly across the members
into the a-arms and shocks. They are manufactured out of solid
6061 aluminum to keep them light weight and robust. The size of
the uprights help set the roll center of the vehicle by setting the
a-arms at different angles. Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 56
FRESNO
STATE
FORMULA
SAE
PROJECT LEAD:
Michael Serena
The SAE Drivetrain team is responsible to delivering a functional
drivetrain for the car that is going to be represented by the
Bulldog Racing Club. The main objective into engineering a
functional drivetrain was the redesign of the differential mounts.
The differential is designed to allow the pair of wheels to drive
and rotate at different speeds. By redesigning the differential
mounts it would give the group one step into building a functional
drivetrain.
The housing of the differential needed to be addressed because it
had leakage and the sprocket size was addressed because analysis
was needed to calculate how much torque will be at the wheels.
By completing the required analysis on the sprocket, a new
selection of a sprocket would need to be determined. Due to the
regulations of the competition, a chain guard is needed to provide
protection from onlookers’ from the moving components inside
the frame’s apparatus when the car is running in stationary
position. When the car is fully functional, it will be presented at a
competition in Michigan, where many clubs and car companies
will be in attendance for this event. The car will be judged from
various inspections, tests, and the team will give a presentation
on how they built their car. Mechanical Engineering
FRESNO
STATE
GOES
1005
PV
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Cesar Garcia
Luis Santos
Jose Pulido
GerardoManriquez
Michael Serena
ADVISOR:
Dr. Ajith Weerasinghe
This project focuses on a solar energy system for Fresno State.
Research on Distributed Photovoltaic Energy includes the total cost
of equipment, installation and the return on investment. Solar PV
will help reduce cost in electricity consumption for the campus
while providing shade for all students and faculty. The current solar
system at parking lot at Fresno State occupies 101,740 sq. ft. and
provides 20% of the total energy consumption.
The total free area from needed to provide 100% of the energy is
406,961 sq. ft. The total area of all the parking lots is 429,230 sq. ft.
which is more than adequate. Through Purchase Power Agreements
and Investment Tax Credits this can be a financially viable option
for the University and students can participate by obtaining onsite
internships. Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 58
FUME
AND
EXTRACTOR
AMMONIASKID
(VIP)
PROJECT LEAD:
Ezequiel Fregoso
ADVISOR:
Mike Hawkins
SPONSOR:
MBT
Design of Fume extractor and loader for the CNC plasma
cutter at MBT. This was a ground up design and is going to be
used to cut down on plasma fumes and to make loading the
CNC plasma cutter easier. Also, the Ammonia skid was the
second major project and it was design entirely at MBT for
John Zinc Corp. The main function for the ammonia skid is to
help a boiler meet air pollutants limits, by injecting ammonia in
the exhaust fumes. Both of these projects where worked on
while interning at MBT, with help from Mike Hawkins. Mechanical Engineering
GEOTHERMAL
POWER
PLANTS
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Victor Alverez
Gustavo Bustos
Freddy Cortes Harwinder Dhillon
Tommy Phentngao
ADVISOR:
Dr. Ajith Weerasinghe
Geothermal energy technology is reviewed in terms of its
current impact and future potential as an energy source. In
general, the geothermal energy resource base is large and well
distributed globally. Geothermal systems have a number of
positive social characteristics (they are simple, safe, and
adaptable systems with modular 1–50 MW [thermal (t) or
electric (e)] plants capable of providing continuous baseload,
load following, or peaking capacity) and benign environmental
attributes (negligible emissions of CO2, SOx, NOx, and
particulates, and modest land and water use).
Because these features are compatible with sustainable growth
of global energy supplies in both developed and developing
countries, geothermal energy is anattractive option to replace
fossil and fissile fuels. For this project a binary
geothermal plant will be simulated. Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 60
GRAVITY
FLAT
FILTER
BED
COOLANT
SYSTEM
PROJECT LEAD:
Ravinder Singh
ADVISORS:
Efrain Rios
Jesse Diaz
SPONSOR:
Thiele Technologies – Reedley
Gravity bed filter provides a simple and cost-effective way to
provide automatic coolant and metalworking fluid filtration
using non-woven bulk paper roll filter media. The filter
features a continuous mesh conveyor chain to support the
filter paper and create a pool of liquid. Filtration degree can
be determined by the choice of the tissue, ranging from 10 to
50 micron, granting the highest level of filtration. As
contaminants build on the paper and flow becomes restricted,
the liquid level rises closing a float switch which causes the
conveyor to advance fresh paper into service. Separated solid
particles are discharged along with the used filter paper to a
hopper. Mechanical Engineering
GUSMER
ENTERPRISES,
INC.
INTERNSHIP(VIP)
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Kathryn Belmore
PROJECT ADVISOR:
Marco Fabila Cold Storage Renovation
Lighting Upgrade Project
Die Rack Project
This project board highlights various projects completed
during an internship at Gusmer Enterprises, Inc. as a part of
the Valley Industry Partnership for Cooperative Education
(VIP). The projects completed during the internship involved
various areas of engineering including machine and
component design, drafting, safety improvement, project
management, process improvement, and cost savings.
The projects included are Cold Storage Renovation, Lighting
Upgrade Project, and Die Rack Project. The Cold Storage
Renovation involved project management, drafting, process
improvement, and cost savings. The Lighting Upgrade Project
involved project management and cost savings. The Die Rack
Project involved component design, process improvement, and
safety improvement.
Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 62
HUMAN
POWERED
WALKING
MECHANICAL
EXOSKELETON
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Aharon Dertsakyan
Caleb Flora
Alan Pizano
Chad Reimer
PROJECT ADVISOR:
Dr. The Nguyen
The goal of this project was to design a mechanical
exoskeleton to help paraplegic people walk again using their
own upper body strength (hands, arms, shoulders, chest, abs,
etc.). The team objective is to design a functioning
exoskeleton system in SolidWorks, and simulate walking
motion of a completed assembly design complete with a
human dummy wearing the exoskeleton.
To accomplish this objective the team first employed methods
learned in ME-134 (machine design) relating to linkage
synthesis, position, velocity, and acceleration analysis. Upon
completion of the design and simulation, the group created a
fabrication plan in order to fabricate a scale model at some
future time. Following completion of the project, the team
now has a viable design and plan for a relatively inexpensive
exoskeleton, which will give increased mobility and exercise
options to paraplegic individuals.
Mechanical Engineering
HYDROGEN
CAR
FUEL
CELLS
-
APPLICATIONS
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Kyle Garrison
Alex Suarez
Blake Beekman
Michael Bowlin
Tim Compton
PROJECT ADVISOR:
Dr. Ajith Weerasinghe
Hydrogen fuel cell technology is yet another energy source
considered by engineers and scientists to serve as a viable
replacement for gasoline as the primary fuel source of
vehicles. In order to justify an infrastructure upgrade that
would accommodate hydrogen fueling stations, the hydrogen
fuel cell must be deemed more desirable than its primary
market competitor: the gasoline engine. A comprehensive
analysis is conducted in order to make recommendations on
the most desirable option of the two and the subsequent
necessary course of action.
This paper analyzes the operation, environmental impact,
government regulations, and economics of hydrogen fuel
cells. The paper also presents the expected cost of
infrastructure upgrades and the potential for advances in
research.
Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 64
HYDROKINETIC
WAVE
POWER
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Josh Knight
Garrett Tuck Michael Grover
Justin Northern
PROJECT ADVISOR:
Dr. Ajith Weerasinghe
With global warming a concerning issue in the world today,
renewable energy has been thrust to the forefront as a viable
solution. Due to the earth’s surface being nearly 71 percent
ocean, technology to extract its energy has become vastly
popular. Winds blowing across the surface of the ocean produce
waves containing energy that if harnessed, can potentially
become usable energy. Our project was to design an energy
system based on wave power, complete with project feasibility
analysis through MATLAB simulation along with SWOT, LCOE
and energy density potential.
Research was conducted on wave power background, types of
energy converting devices, along with existing laws and
regulations pertaining to power generation in the ocean. The
designed system utilized point absorber energy capture
technology coupled with an actively yawed system to
continuously keep the structure perpendicular to the wave front,
increasing the overall efficiency of the system. Mechanical Engineering
INTERNATIONAL
FOODSERVICE
PAPER
BUSINESS
INTERNSHIP
(VIP)
PROJECT LEAD:
Kathryn Belmore
PROJECT ADVISOR:
Varun Madnani
Lid Count Improvement Project
Alignment Bracket Project
Blanker Guarding
This project board highlights various projects completed or in
progress during an internship at International Paper Foodservice
Business as a part of the Valley Industry Partnership for
Cooperative Education (VIP).
The projects worked on during the internship involved various
areas of engineering including component design, process
improvement, project management, safety improvement, and
cost savings. The projects included are Lid Count Improvement
Project, Alignment Bracket Project, and Blanker Guarding. The
Lid Count Improvement Project involved process improvement
and cost savings. The Alignment Bracket Project involved
component design, process improvement, and cost savings.
The Blanker Guarding involved component design and safety
improvement. Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 66
INTERNATIONAL
FOODSERVICE
PAPER
PROJECTS
(VIP)
PROJECT LEAD:
Trent Miller
ADVISOR:
Arshdeep Singh
Compressed Air Reduction Project
Chiller Project
Side Roll Lift Project This project board accentuates various projects in progress or
completed at International Paper Foodservice Business in the
Valley Industry Partnership for Cooperative Education Program
(VIP).
At International Paper, the projects vary from process
improvement, cost saving, and safety. Compressed Air
Reduction project involves removing airlines from the
AutoBaggers as a cost saving project. The Chiller Project is a
process improvement and cost saving project that involved
calculating loads to combine the two chiller loops at our
facility. Side Roll Lift project is a safety project consisting of a
fabricated mount attached to lift that allows safe transport and
placement on the roll fed Cup Machine.
Mechanical Engineering
KEYSTONE
BOILER
RENOVATION
(VIP)
PROJECT LEAD:
Trey Carey
ADVISORS:
Walter Mizuno
Mike Hawkins
The keystone boiler was formerly one of our rental boilers in
our shop. The project scope was to refurbish the boiler to be
sold to a nearby tomato processing plant. The current
configuration of the boiler did not satisfy the needs of the new
owners. New plans were drawn for a more appropriate boiler
setup.
A site plan was drafted for the boiler and all of its components
known as the “stack up.” The stack up consists of a selective
Catalytic Reducer or SCR used to reduce NOx emissions and
an economizer which is used in waste heat recovery.
Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 68
LEAF
EFFICIENCY
SPRING
PROJECT
(VIP)
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
John Marr
Dan Carter
Gagan Pandher
Michael Valla ADVISORS:
John Marr
Darnell Austin
The Leaf Spring Efficiency project is a major project at Betts
Company. The project itself has its own sub-projects and
involves working with employees and engineers to find ways to
improve the overall manufacturing production process. There are
three operations in the overall production of leaf springs.
In each operation, time studies, spaghetti diagrams,
observations, floor layout improvements, equipment upgrades
and improvements are completed. A major focus is lean
manufacturing, focusing in method maximize efficiency. Current
projects include: designing a new paint tank system for painting
leaf springs and equipment upgrades for assembly tables and
fitting presses.
Mechanical Engineering
LEPRINO
FOODS
CONVEYER
CENTER
PROJECT
DRIVE
(VIP)
PROJECT LEAD:
Jarrett Steele
ADVISOR:
Peter Davidson
This project was part of Valley Industry Partnership for
Cooperative Education (VIP) program. The conveyor project is a
center drive conversion project. Currently the conveyor has a
drum motor and gearbox. The location of this motor is a problem
and must be changed to a center driven configuration. By using
Solidworks, dynamics, and statics the conveyer has been
appropriately budgeted and modeled with configurations and
necessary parts.
Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 70
MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL
KNEE
VERSION2
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Alan Suarez
Bryan Brandt
Ryan Schnell
ADVISOR:
Dr. The Nguyen
In this project, the second generation of a prosthetic knee that
utilizes Magnetorheological (MR) fluid was designed,
manufactured, and tested. The prosthetic knee was designed to
model a drum brake and features a novel rotor design. Three
quarters of the rotor has the same radius and the remaining
quarter has a varying radius.
This design allows the knee to provide the patient with variable
braking torque without the necessity of having complex controls
and while reducing power consumption. The purpose of this
second generation design was to optimize the first design and
develop a product that could be taken to market for mass
production. The experimental and theoretical results
demonstrate significant improvement over conventional MR
fluid prosthetic knees while maintaining production costs at a
minimum.
Mechanical Engineering
MANUALLY
MECHANICAL
POWERED
EXOSKELETON
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Matthew Heinrich
Ridge Bertuccio
Fahad Alzuwaid
Nathaniel Isaak
ADVISOR:
Dr. The Nguyen
The goal of this project was to design an exoskeleton powered
completely by a human’s upper body muscles to be used by a
handicapped person paralyzed from the waist down. To simulate a
human gait, the team used a Theo Jensen linkage to serve as the
legs of the exoskeleton. The motion traced out by the linkage’s
contact point with the ground mimics that of a foot in a typical
human gait. This allows attachment of the user’s legs to the
linkages on each side. This has physical therapy benefits and would
help combat muscle atrophy by exercising the muscles in the leg.
The team placed 3 of these linkages on each side of the
exoskeleton to ensure that 2 points of contact with the ground will
exist on each side of the exoskeleton while it is walking forward.
This improves overall balance and reduces the force needed to
power the motion. Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 72
MANUAL
WHEELCHAIR
ADD-ON
POWER
UNIT
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Josh Knight
Pichbarmey “Jet” Vong
Gustavo Bustos
Harwinder Dhillon
ADVISOR:
Dr. The Nguyen
SPONSOR:
Sunrise Medical
Manual wheelchairs provide mobility for disabled people from
either accidental injuries or lifelong disabilities. However, the main
downfall for manual wheelchairs is that the user must propel
themselves or have assistance provided by another person at all
times. Self-propulsion has often resulted in health problems when
the user lacks the required upper body strength. To help mitigate
the possible health risks imposed by manual propulsion, a power
add-on unit was explored, designed, prototyped, and tested. The
goal of this project was to design a power add-on system that could
be retrofitted to a manual wheelchair and provide power and
steering to the user, whenever manual operation was undesirable.
The system developed offers key features, such as ease of
installation, usability, portability, as well as operating inside the
existing footprint of the chair.
Mechanical Engineering
MECHANICAL
FOR
EXOSKELETON
PARAPLEGICS
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Abbie Sandquist
Trevor Sanders
ADVISOR:Chad Winter
Anton San
Steve Zapata
Dr. The Nguyen
This project consists of a mechanical exoskeleton to help
paraplegics walk. The exoskeleton mimics the motion of actual
human gait, the goal being to help the disabled user imitate the
motion of walking, while using only their own muscles to control it.
The engineering approach taken with this design uses several sets
of mechanical linkages to drive the walking motion.
The output path of the linkage was designed to be similar to the
path the ankle takes in normal human gait, as tracked using a video
analysis program. A second set of linkages on each side of the user
were added to rotate out of sync with those strapped to the ankles
of the user to provide stability as the user is in motion.
Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 74
MECHANICAL
WALKING
PARAPLEGIC
EXOSKELETON
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Geoff Kukula
Alex Reed
Zacary Hask
Joshua Jones
Jose Quiroz
ADVISOR:
Dr. The Nguyen
The team’s goal for this project was to develop a walking
mechanism to enable paraplegics to walk again in a natural way.
The system is powered by the user’s own upper body strength
and is partially inspired by the Star Wars Imperial AT-ST Walker.
The team’s engineering approach was executed by first
observing the natural walking motion of a walking person. The
linkage that would provide the motion as then designed. The
system utilizes gears to transmit the user’s arm force to the
driving peg. The gearing is designed in such a way to make the
mechanism move slower and more stable. The slow movement
and stability allows the user to operate the system with minimal
difficulty. The current design prototype allows the user to walk
for a minimal of five steps, be able to make small turns and walk
over a curb. Mechanical Engineering
NUMERICAL
EFFECT
OF
CUBICAL
ELEMENTS
AIRFLOWS
STUDY
ON
OVER
ON
THE
CONTROL
LAMINAR
A
FLAT
PLATE
PROJECT LEAD:
Jessica Gartrell
ADVISOR:
Dr. Deify Law
Boundary layer separation over a surface is an important
phenomenon that has great implications on the aerodynamic
performance of aircraft. The ability to control flow fields to improve
performance and reduce drag is also important and driven by
potential savings in fuel expenditures or expansion of the flight
envelope. Drag reduction may be achieved by preventing or delaying
laminar-to-turbulent transition from occurring over the surface or by
inducing turbulence to create secondary flow motion that alters the
flow field (Narvaez 2010). The present work is to perform CFD
simulations in ANSYS FLUENT of flow velocity profiles with and
without a single cubical control element in laminar flow ranging
from 2 cm/s to 8 cm/s on a 1 meter long flat plate in a twodimensional (2D) space, respectively.
The simulations without the control element on the flat plate were
validated with the Blasius solution as well as compared with the flow
velocity profiles produced by the control element on the flat plate.
Additionally, the effects of multiple cubical elements on airflow over
the flat plate were studied and compared with the cases with and
without a control element on the flat plate. Furthermore, the effects
of the flat plate’s angle of attack that ranges from 3° to 6° on the
drag force on the flat plate with and without the cubical element at
a given flow velocity varying from 2 cm/s to 8 cm/s will be
investigated numerically and compared.
Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 76
OCEAN
POWER
CURRENT
GENERATION
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Alan Suarez
Bryan Brandt Shannon Wilson
Matt Rocca
ADVISOR:
Dr. Ajith Weerasinghe
To reduce the fossil fuel consumption, many new renewable energy
resources are being developed. Ocean current power generation is a
renewable energy source that harnesses the energy of ocean
currents and converts it into useful power.
The purpose of this research project was to identify the current
state of research of ocean current power generation, study the
positive and negative aspects of the system, and present a technical
evaluation. The study revealed that this renewable energy source
demonstrates immense potential to provide stable and consistent
power in commercial applications.
Mechanical Engineering
OHIO
LOCK
AND
DAM
HYDROELECTRIC
52
AND
53
UPGRADE
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
John Munnoch
Cody Gomes Cody Stauffer
James Walker
ADVISOR:
Dr. Ajith Weerasinghe
Many states have adopted plans to reduce their consumption of
fossil fuels for power generation. Hydroelectric Power is one of
the oldest, most reliable and versatile renewable methods of
power generation and is effective in base, load-following, and
peak power production. Oak Ridge National Laboratories
conducted a study that identified over 54,000 existing nonpowered dams that are suitable for hydropower generation. Ohio Locks and Dam number 52 and 53 in the Ohio River Valley
are at the top of the list of currently non-powered dams that
could be producing clean energy. Each of the 2 dams has 12 feet
of headwater potential with flows of 276,990 and 276,133 cubic
feet per second respectively. We performed an analysis on
replacing the antiquated wicket dams with impoundment dams
with hydropower capabilities and explored the impact that the
investment would have.
Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 78
PARKINSON’S
TREMOR
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Tim Enserink
Derek Lin
Kevin Mifflin Alex Rodriguez
Tyler Wigert
ADVISOR:
Dr. The Nguyen
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic progressive neurological disorder
that affects more than six million people worldwide. Parkinson’s
disease is caused by a shortage of dopamine producing cells
which allows the brain to transmit signals. The most common side
effects to the lack of dopamine is tremors. The tremors can be
characterized by a postural or as a kinetic tremor. The tremors
usually start on one side of the body. Eventually, both sides will
become affected.
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for these movement
disorders. The only thing that can be done is to manage the
symptoms. This project revolves around the creation of a
vibration absorber to limit the tremors in the hands. Springs and
masses will be arranged so the vibration will move in the
opposite direction of the tremor, thus canceling it.
Mechanical Engineering
PHONE
GRIP
HAND
FOR
PEOPLE
WITH
DISABILITIES
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Leonardo Campos
Victor Alvarez
PROJECT ADVISOR:
Dr. Maziar Ghazinejad
More than 9 million Americans will experience short-term injury or
permanent disability of the hand or wrists, says the Centers for
Disease Control. Causes of such disabilities include arthritis, carpal
tunnel syndrome, nerve damage, a poorly healed fracture or the loss
of fingers as a result of severe trauma. Disability problems like these
make grasping small objects extremely difficult, and being able to
handle a mobile device can become an unpleasant, painful or even
an impossible task.
The goal of this project was to design a small phone holder grip that
will mount on the back of a mobile device and reduce most of the
mechanical stress and fatigue involved with grasping a mobile
device. Once attached to the back of a mobile device, the users will
be able to slide their fingers in the phone grip, providing a natural
safe grip without the need to use grasping muscles, what will make
the manipulation of the device much easier and safer. Moreover, the
phone holder grip will remain free to rotate, allowing a pleasant
view from any desired orientation. Once the user is no longer using
the mobile device, the mobile device along with the phone holder
grip can be securely placed on a separate belt clip holster.
Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 80
PRESS
BRAKE
SHEET
FOLLOWER
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Michael Grover
Justin Northern
Connor Luallen
ADVISOR:
Dr. The Nguyen
SPONSOR:
Evapco West, Inc This project was to design and build a sheet follower system for a
press brake sheet metal forming machine. A press brake naturally
lifts the sheet metal it is forming and an operator is required to
hold the piece and return it to level position after the press brake
has released. Multiple operators are required for large sheet
metal parts. The designed system follows the sheet metal as it is
lifted, holds it at the top position as the press brake releases and
returns it safely to level position. The sheet follower system
utilizes pneumatic cylinders along with a PLC and linear position
sensor to allow for varying bending angles and can safely lift a
four hundred pound sheet. A durable plastic was used to minimize
scratching to the formed parts.
Mechanical Engineering
PUMP
TESTING(VIP)
PROJECT LEAD:
Tommy Xiong
ADVISORS:
Walter Mizuno
Brian Shoenhair
The project will help US Farm Systems gather all the data
need to compile pump curves. The pump curves are used to
configure systems for customers. US Farm Systems has many
different sizes of impellers and housings. Switching impellers
and housing requires operating a forklift, welding, grinding,
using power tools, and more. Testing the pumps requires
installing a sensor, pressure gauge, actuator, variable
frequency drive (VFD), and other components. Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 82
PVT
COOLING
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Joshua Gallagher
Ravinder Singh
Tommy Phetngao Victor Alvarez
Samim Mehrafar
ADVISORS:
Dr. Ajith Weerasinghe
Dr. The Nguyen
Heat can severely reduce a photovoltaic (PV) panel’s production of
power by 10-25%. On a solar farm this can translate to thousands
of watts being lost. The goal of this project is to design a retrofit
system that uses a non-corrosive liquid to reduce the temperature
of a PV panel by 30 degrees F. The designed system has been
selected to satisfy the customer’s needs and technically analyzed
to ensure that the requirements were met without affecting the
feasibility. This analysis lead to the design of an aluminum heat
exchange chamber installed directly behind a standard 77 in. by 39
in., 300-watt PV panel. The design uses forced convection to help
cool the solar panel. A series of aluminum channels run vertically
across the panel. Aluminum is used for its high heat conductivity
and light weight design. Water is pumped along the channels and
is used as the heat extraction medium. This product will drop the
temperature of the PV panel by about 30 degrees F and therefore
increase its efficiency. The warm fluid that exits the system can be
harnessed and reused for other useful applications if desired.
Mechanical Engineering
RECYCLING
OF
SI
PV
MODULES
PROJECT LEAD:
Ajanth Jain
ADVISOR:
Dr. Ajith Weerasinghe Photovoltaic panels are being installed at an increasing rate. In
2016 it is expected to increase by 119%. This makes the disposal
of these PV panels a challenging opportunity in view of the
increased production of PV modules. Made of crystalline
silicon (c-Si), glass, aluminum frame, EVA layer, photovoltaic
cells, tedlar film, and junction box, the disposal valuable and
hazardous components, may cause major health risks.
Currently these elements can be recycled for about the same
cost or more than the disposal cost at the present. Recovering
pure silicon from damaged or end-of-life PV modules can lead
to economic and environmental benefits. This can be achieved
by thermal and chemical separation methods. The result
explains how advantageous is the recycling and benefits of
using recycled parts in the manufacturing process. Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 84
SERPA
PACKAGING
PROJECT
SOLUTIONS
(VIP)
PROJECT LEAD:
Trent Miller
ADVISOR:
Justin Neece This project accentuates the major project completed at
Serpa Packaging Solutions in the Valley Industry Partnership
for Cooperative Education Program (VIP). At Serpa, a method
to automate door designing in AutoCAD was engineered.
Each door has 7-10 variable components that are a custom
size dependent on the frame. By automating the process so
the engineer can input a few variable dimensions into a
custom AutoCAD command, the program will automatically
create the door according to the desired dimensions.
Mechanical Engineering
SOLAR
PV
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Cesar Garcia
Luis Santos
Jose Pulido Gerardo Manriquez
Michael Serena
ADVISORS:
Dr. Ajith Weerasinghe
This project focuses on why solar PV is better than other
energy systems and the energy consumption of Fresno State.
The research on Distributed Solar photovoltaic Energy
includes the total cost of equipment, installation and return on
investment. Solar PV will help reduce cost in electricity
consumption for Fresno State while providing shade for all
students and faculty.
The current solar system at parking lot at Fresno State
occupies 101,740 sq. ft. and provides 20% of the total energy
consumption. The total free area from needed to provide 100%
of the energy is 406,961 sq. ft. The total area of all the parking
lots is 429,230 sq. ft. which is more than the required. Through
Purchase Power Agreements and Investment Tax Credits this
can be a financially viable option for the University and
students can participate by obtaining onsite internships.
Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 86
SOLID
OXIDE
FUEL
CELL
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Zheng Hao Loh
Tou Xiong
Jet Vong
Jian Cui
Eric Licciardello
ADVISOR:
Dr. Ajith Weerasinghe
At the current state of our global power consumption, the need
for a sustainable and renewable source of energy is now more
crucial than ever. In the past few decades we have seen a rise
and improvements in new alternative clean energy technologies
such assolar panels and windmills. Fuel cells is on the list of
those clean alternative energy that has enormous potential and
industrial application.
There are several types of fuel cells in existence such as; Proton
Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEM), Direct Methanol Fuel
Cell (DMFC), Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC), Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell
(PAFC), Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) and Solid Oxide
Fuel Cell (SOFC). Although there are many different types, most
development has been focused on high temperature Solid Oxide
Fuel Cells (SOFC) because of its ability to use a variety of fuels
while able to maintain a very high energy efficiency and energy
density. In the following sections, we analyzed the power
generation process of a SOFC, Industrial application example
and a theoretical design suggestion to reduce cost, compact
design while maintaining the same power output capacity.
Mechanical Engineering
SPORTSMOBILE
ASSEMBLY
–
WEST
FORD
POPTOP
TRANSIT
RB
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Tyler Brisky
Nicholas Gilbertson
Abdullatif Almakhayitah
ADVISORS:
Dr. The Nguyen
Jonathan Feld
Sportsmobile currently has several “pop-top” roof expansion
systems currently in service on a number of different model vans.
The objective of this project was to design a new “pop-top” roof
expansion system to fit the constraints of the new model Ford
Transit RB while satisfying certain load requirements. The
requirements of the project were to raise a load of at least 150
pounds, support a load of at least 600 pounds when in the lowered
position, and support 300 lbs on the rail assembly while the top is
in the raised position. The assembly must also be designed to be as
low-profile as possible so that it does not take up passenger
headroom. The proposed design uses two linear motors and cross
members to function similar to a scissor lift to raise and lower the
top. The design is built upon a rail assembly that is made out of
formed sheet metal parts. The rail assembly is the portion of the
assembly that bolts to the van, and contains the all of the
components of the lifting assembly excluding the linear actuators.
Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 88
STANDARDIZED
QUALITY
BOX
CONTROL
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Cesar Garcia
Vitaliy Kozlov
Alan Ortega
Hugo Martinez
ADVISORS:
Dr. The Nguyen
Eduardo Garcia
SPONSOR:
APTCO, LLC
The purpose of the project was to develop a bench prototype that
replicates manual inspection of EPS (styrofoam) boxes that are
currently performed by Quality Control personnel at APTCO LLC.
This bench prototype will be automated using PLC RS Logix 5000
and a 1500 HMI unit. The prototype will have three stages; vision,
stacking and compression. The vision and compression system will
be performing the quality and integrity of the box respectively. The
vision system will use optic measures to inspect the box. The
compression system will have electric actuators that will be
controlled to allow an optimal compression for each iteration. The
stacker will be used to allow a continuous flow of the process and
will contain chains, pulleys, chain-attached plastic flaps, and a motor
to control its function. Mechanical Engineering
SWITCHGRASS
FUELED
POWER
BIOMASS
PLANT
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Patrick McCracken
Nick Gilbertson Ryan Schnell
Grant Glazebrook
ADVISORS:
Dr. Ajith Weerasinghe This project deals with biomass powered plants, in
particular sawgrass powered plant. The goal is to study the
feasibility of operating such a plant. Sawgrass is indigenous
to the Florida Everglades and is where the study will take
place in an attempt to save on land and crop planting costs.
In order to study such a the power plant MATLAB has been
utilized, along with certain calculated parameters to yield
answers as to what the power plant can produce, and at
what cost. Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 90
THE
LAMELLA-
A
PROCESSING
WASTEWATER
MACHINE
PROJECT LEAD:
Sean Tardif
PROJECT ADVISORS:
Walter Mizuno
Kurt Eulberg
SPONSOR:
E&J Gallo Winery
This project was part of Valley Industry Partnership for
Cooperative Education (VIP) program. Previous interns
performed a renovation to the old T.S.S (total suspended
solids) system (wastewater treatment process) that included
the addition of a new style of dumping the dry residual solids.
The new system includes a platform that sits approximately 15
feet high and contains two dump style bins powered by
hydraulics. It has been my job to operate the T.S.S system
while simultaneously finishing the renovations and making the
process more efficient.
Mechanical Engineering
THIELE
TECHNOLOGIES
MOTION
VACUUM
PROFILE
PICK
PROJECT
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
John Munnoch
Garrett Tuck
Zheng Hao Loh
PROJECT ADVISORS:
Dr. The Nguyen
SPONSOR:
Thiele Technologies
Thiele Technologies presented us with a motion profile
optimization project for one of their vacuum pick systems. A
previous iteration of this particular system had a cam and
follower actuated scissor system that provided the desired
motion profile. A recent redesign of the system eliminated many
parts and greatly simplified the mechanism by utilizing a doublerocker fourbar and a driver dyad. Although the newer design was
easier to set up it occasionally experienced clearance issues.
Our team was tasked with designing a solution to the clearance
issues while maintaining as much of the recent redesign as
possible. Designing a system that closely resembled the
previous design ensured that it could easily retrofit into existing
units. Machine design fundamentals were utilized to optimize
the motion profile of the fourbar linkage and provide Thiele
Technologies and their customers with a cost-effective solution
to improve machine reliability. Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 92
TRASH
COMPACTOR
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Miguel Ortiz
Jose Pulido
Jesus Gonzalez
Hugo Martinez
PROJECT ADVISORS:
Dr. Maziar Ghazinejad
The main objective of the project is to optimize the space that a
typical trash bin occupies for residential or commercial
application. To optimize the trash bin space consumption, a
scissor jack with a compression plate was designed to compress
the trash in the bin compartment, which results in reduction of the
trash volume. The system is fully automated and only requires the
user to push a button to begin the compression process. This
benefits the user by minimizing the amount of trips to empty the
trash bin, which in a commercial application means less service
cost. Also, this optimizes the compartment usage and reduces the
environmental impact by requiring up to 1/3 less trash bags. It is
anticipated that the final price will be up to 50% less, in
comparison to the competitors. The compactor also has the
potential to tap into a market that has little to no solutions to the
problem of reducing trash volume efficiently
Mechanical Engineering
UAV
FOR
PERSONAL
SECURITY
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Lauren Updyke
Jonathan Meza
Michael Bowlin
Blake Beekman
Austin Lord
ADVISORS:
Dr. The Nguyen
Dr. Gregory Kriehn
The goal of this project is to design and implement an unmanned
aerial vehicle (UAV) that provides security through the use of
infrared video monitoring and storage while maintaining a “close to
the user” flight pattern. BUMBL is a compact quadcopter, standing
only 2.5 inches tall with arms folding into a 7.5 x 7.5 square inch
area, making it a practical and convenient size for portability.
BUMBL is a prototype UAV with a 3-D printed frame using ABS
plastic, an electrical system capable of 15-minute flight time, and a
mobile app with GPS tracking capabilities that uses GPS data to
autonomously keep the UAV within a set distance to the user.
BUMBL achieves personal security by live streaming the immediate
surrounds to the user’s mobile device.
Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 94
VEHICLE
HYBRID
SYSTEM
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Saul Velazco
ADVISORS:
Walter Mizuno
Dylan Gove
SPONSOR:
Altec Industries
This project was part of Valley Industry Partnership for
Cooperative Education (VIP) program. This hybrid system was
created by an Altec partner company and is meant to integrate
into a truck’s factory components, and its electrical system.
The system is composed of components such as fans, coolant
pump, temperature sensor, and a unit control center. It provides
vehicles with heating and air conditioning through the factory
vents along with electrical power without running the vehicle’s
engine. This allows for reduced fuel costs, extended vehicle life,
as well as minimizing the organization’s carbon footprint. By use
of the operator screen, the user will be able to monitor in realtime the vehicle’s interior temperature, the vehicle’s coolant
temperature, the vehicle’s RPM and battery voltage.
Mechanical Engineering
VIBRATION/STRAIN
TESTING
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
David Ellis
Trevor Sanders
Gagan Pandher
ADVISOR:
David Ellis
The purpose of this project is to analyze the vibration and strain
of stainless steel quarter fenders to test durability. Tri-axis
accelerometers are attached to measure the g-force of the
fender and rosette strain gauge sensors are attached to measure
the strain of the fender. The quarter fender is attached to a
shaker which can be set at certain frequencies to simulate
different variations of roads. A live vehicle vibration test is
tested to have a better understanding between the events of
using the shaker and the vehicle itself. The information is
collected onto the computer to be analyzed to understand the
events of the fender.
Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 96
WASTE
HEAT
RECOVERY
SYSTEMS
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Alan Ortega
Connor Luallen
Neil Krentz Samim Mehrafar
Joshua Ghallagher
ADVISOR:
Dr. Ajith Weerasinghe The purpose of the project is to analyze waste heat recovery
(WHR) systems. Systems used for this purpose range from single
or modular components to integral systems in which more than
one component is used to recover the heat and convert it to
useful energy. Modular components for WHR are more widely
used for efficiency improvement of primary systems.
The focus of analysis for these systems consists of operational
advantages, environmental advantages, state policies, financial
benefits and advantages, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities,
threats, and R&D development issues. It was found that the
investments in WHR systems in most industrial applications are
financially viable.
Mechanical Engineering
WAVE
POWER
DESALINIZATION
PLANT
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
Alex Rodriguez
Tim Enserink
Tyler Wigert
Derek Lin
ADVISOR:
Dr. Ajith Weerasinghe California is experiencing the most severe drought ever recorded
by the federal government currently. The Wave-powered Water
Desalination Plant is designed to be an efficient way to provide
clean water while powering the plant with clean energy using
tidal power from the ocean.
The project could potentially provide enough water for the entire
population of Pismo Beach which is about 8,000 people. We plan
to use our unique wave-powered generator to power our
desalination plant using reverse osmosis. In order to power the
plant, it would require about 15 generators. With this system, we
can help California experience less of a drought.
Mechanical Engineering
Projects Day 2016 98
www.FresnoState.edu/Engineering