This study analyzed droplet sizes generated by nebulizers by collecting aerosolized liquid on microscope test slides and processing microscope images with MATLAB to quantify droplet distributions. Measurements were compared to the target droplet size range required for effective nebulization, since droplets outside this range can reduce respiratory delivery efficiency. Results help evaluate nebulizer performance and ensure droplets meet specifications for optimal aerosol behavior.

This project explores the design of a grid independent community in Fort Worth with 200 houses using only solar and wind energy sources. Data for the project has been obtained from Dr. Michaelides, which includes excel spreadsheets and research to aid in finding optimal efficiencies in the design of buildings. The design will include energy production, usage, and storage. We are planning on using one small wind turbine with supplementary solar power; we will also be able to store excess energy. We will do calculations to determine how much energy needs to be stored and how large our solar panels need to be to sustain our community.

Solar net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) are energy-efficient structures that generate as much electricity on-site as they consume over one year. This project involves designing a net-zero solar home in Fort Worth, Texas, using well-insulated construction materials, optimized building orientation to maximize sunlight, and efficient heating and cooling equipment. The home’s energy demand is met primarily by electricity produced from a photovoltaic (PV) system, while space heating and cooling are provided by a ground source heat pump (GSHP). Energy calculations and modeling are performed to estimate annual electricity consumption, determine the required PV system size, and evaluate GSHP operation. Results indicate that the home can reach net-zero energy performance under typical climate conditions in Fort Worth. This project shows that combining on-site solar generation with energy-efficient design strategies can significantly reduce residential energy use and lower environmental impact.

An analysis of the sound-producing characteristics of a tenor trombone has been initiated at TCU. Focus of the effort will be on the model Conn 44H "Vocabell" tenor trombone due to its unique rimless bell. A numerical model of the instrument using Autodesk Inventor has been created. The model was then analyzed using COMSOL Multiphysics.

Key areas of focus include understanding the interaction between the instrument's structural vibrations and the sound radiated from the bell. The "Vocabell" design, known for its unique construction and acoustic qualities, will be critically examined to assess how its geometry and material properties influence sound production and associated frequency spectrum. Radiated sound and structural vibration measurements have been conducted on the physical instrument, providing data for model correlation and validation. Once validated, the numerical model will be used to explore more advanced concepts of brass instrument design.

Ultrasonic cavitation is a critical process in industrial cleaning and sonochemistry, yet its efficiency is frequently compromised by inconsistent energy distribution. This research investigates the complex inner workings of acoustic harmonics and their influence on the cavitation field within a contained tub. While traditional systems suffer from undesirable "hot spots" and "dead zones," this project systematically examines how transducer positioning and operating frequencies govern harmonic resonance and subsequent cavitation intensity. Utilizing a controlled test tub, empirical data will be gathered through standardized measurement techniques, including aluminum foil erosion, to visualize and map harmonic wave patterns. The primary objective is to quantify the relationship between these resonant frequencies and cavitation uniformity. The findings will yield actionable design principles for optimizing ultrasonic systems, advancing our understanding of harmonic behavior to improve process efficiency and consistency in precision engineering applications.

This paper discusses the responsibility of a 20 MW photovoltaic solar plant in Yuma, Arizona. It presents the requirements to create new power parameters using historical solar irradiance from 2018 to 2024 for Yuma, Arizona, to determine the efficiency, cost, and area requirements for PV solar cells, along with yearly plant performance over its operational lifetime. The hourly data included were wind speed, temperature, solar zenith angle, surface albedo, direct normal irradiance (DNI), diffuse horizontal irradiance (DHI), and global horizontal irradiance (GHI). This power plant design utilizes solar radiation data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB). The analysis investigates plant performance using temperature derating factors, capacity factor calculations (23.6%), and thermal modeling to ensure reliable 41.2 GWh annual output.

This project’s objective is to prototype a high-flow nebulizer that is capable of vaporizing 5 mL of medication in a 60 second treatment. After extensive research & testing of numerous existing nebulizers, we have chosen to develop two nebulizers. The first nebulizer uses vibration to push the medication through a tiny perforated mesh plate. The second nebulizer vibrates the medication directly as produces mist. These two systems are affectionately called the “mesh” & “ultrasonic” nebulizers; we are developing 2 independent prototypes for each of these methods.

This paper reports the design of an 80 MW Wind Farm in Marfa, TX. I have selected a group of the Siemens SWT-2.3-108 turbines for the moderate winds felt in Marfa (as compared to the Texas panhandle). A layout is developed to reduce wake losses and satisfy noise & environmental constraints. The point of interconnection for the farm is the ERCOT transmission system. Project economics are estimated from AEP, O&M, and federal tax incentives to gauge the electricity cost and overall viability.

This project proposes the design and implementation of a net-zero energy home in Fort Worth, Texas, powered primarily through solar energy. The objective is to offset all annual household electricity consumption through on-site renewable generation. Based on average yearly usage, the average home requires approximately 13128 kWh of electricity per year. To meet the demands, the system incorporates a solar photovoltaic (PV) array sized to generate a sufficient amount of power to offset the full electricity usage per year, sending energy back to the grid when the amount generated exceeds the demand, and supplementing energy from the grid when the demand is higher than the supply. The design accounts for seasonal variation in solar irradiance typical of North Texas. This model demonstrates the feasibility of sustainable residential energy independence in the Fort Worth region.

Abstract: This paper will detail the general design and operation of an 80-MW wind power plant in the high wind Carbon County of Southeast Wyoming. Using hourly wind data, the study will model wind profiles and perform parametric analyses of different design aspects. The research will discuss two possible configurations of 22 x 4 MW turbines or 30 x 3 MW turbines to determine the impact that an individual turbine’s capacity can have on design and energy production/efficiency. The study will focus on analyzing the Annual Energy Production and Capacity Factor based on height and spacing. The goal of this study is to design the better of the two configurations after analyzing them to determine which will provide a better energy output.

A net zero energy house is a residential dwelling that produces an amount of electric energy that is at least equivalent to the amount of electric energy it consumes. This report describes technology and methods applicable to the creation of a net zero electric energy consumption house in Phoenix, Arizona with a focus on energy from photovoltaic sources. Specifically, this report utilizes local environmental and energy usage data to prescribe an appropriately sized solar energy system combined with energy saving insulation practices to reduce power grid draw while maintaining modern conveniences.

This project proposes the design of a self-sustaining, solar-powered golf course and resort
development in Fort Worth, Texas. The development will include an 18-hole course, a clubhouse,
and 40 villas (4 occupants per unit), all powered by an on-site photovoltaic solar farm integrated
with a battery energy storage system. Annual energy demand will be estimated using published
golf course energy data from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA
Phase II Energy Survey) and residential electricity consumption data for Texas. Total system
wattage (W), annual energy use (kWh/yr), peak demand (kW), and storage capacity (kWh) will
be calculated using standard methods from Energy, the Environment, and Sustainability. Data to
be collected includes the median annual golf course energy consumption, irrigation pumping
requirements, clubhouse loads, per-capita residential electricity use, average solar irradiance in
North Texas, photovoltaic module efficiency, system losses, and battery round-trip efficiency.
Water supply options will be evaluated using regional sources and potential on-site groundwater
or reclaimed water strategies, with associated pumping energy incorporated into total load
calculations. Primary calculations will determine the required photovoltaic capacity, the land
area for the solar farm, storage sizing for overnight and low-irradiance periods, and the overall
system efficiency. Anticipated results include demonstrating the technical feasibility of a
net-zero-energy golf course development in Fort Worth, estimating total installed capacity in
megawatts, and quantifying reductions in grid dependence and operational carbon emissions
compared to conventional golf course operation

The TaskTimer project focuses on the development of an automated task management board designed to support individuals living with dementia and other memory-related conditions. People with dementia often benefit from consistent routines and clear visual reminders, but traditional task boards require manual resets and caregiver supervision. The TaskTimer addresses this challenge by providing an electronic system that displays daily tasks, allows users to easily mark them as complete, and automatically resets tasks at midnight. The system uses an embedded computing module connected to a display to present tasks in a clear and simple interface. When a task is completed, the next action moves into view, helping users stay focused on what needs to be done next. Tasks can also be scheduled to appear on specific days or exist for only one day, allowing routines to be tailored to individual needs. In addition, a caregiver application was developed to allow caregivers to remotely add or modify tasks, monitor whether tasks have been completed, and manage the user’s schedule. By combining an accessible task display with remote monitoring capabilities, the TaskTimer helps individuals with dementia maintain daily routines while reducing the level of supervision required from caregivers.

Abstract

The development of large-scale photovoltaic systems in high-irradiance regions can significantly support the decarbonization of the electricity generation industry. This project presents the design of a 20-MW grid-connected photovoltaic power plant in Ouarzazate, Morocco. Hourly solar irradiance data from 2017 to 2019 were used to compute plane-of-array radiation and the resulting power output with a module nominal efficiency of 22%. The required panel area was determined from rated conditions, and the annual energy production was calculated by summing the hourly energy generation. Results indicate an annual electricity generation of approximately 55.9 GWh with inter-annual variation below 5%.

This project presents a preliminary design for a 20 MW thermal biomass power plant in southern Louisiana. The proposed plant will use a blended biomass fuel stream based on regional availability, including rice hulls, bagasse, and switchgrass/wood chips (planned 30/30/40 mixture, with final basis and assumptions to be justified). The analysis will use standard thermodynamic notation and methods from class and the textbook.
A Rankine cycle model will be used to estimate the plant thermal energy requirement and determine the annual energy demand (MJ/yr) needed to maintain the target electrical output. Using lower heating value (LHV) data from biomass property tables, the study will then calculate the required annual biomass consumption (kg/yr), including the mass of each biomass type in the proposed blend. In addition to the energy balance, the project will evaluate biomass transportation logistics by estimating the number of truckloads required per year and the land area needed to support switchgrass production within the regional agricultural system.

This poster presents the structural design of the Automated Parts Washer (APW), a senior capstone sponsored by Mary Kay and developed by engineering students at Texas Christian University. The APW is designed to provide an automated ultrasonic cleaning solution for cosmetic manufacturing components such as nozzles, caps, and trays. All structural components of the system have been modeled in Autodesk Inventor to enable a fully integrated digital design environment that supports visualization, dimensional coordination, and verification of system layout prior to fabrication. The washer frame utilizes 80/20 aluminum structural members, selected for their strength, modularity, and ease of assembly. This material choice provides flexibility in frame configuration, allowing rapid design iteration and future modification while maintaining robust structural support for the fluid-filled wash tank, ultrasonic hardware, and plumbing systems. The resulting design balances structural integrity, manufacturability, and adaptability for prototype construction and testing.

This paper presents the design and electrical performance analysis of a 10-MW
grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) power plant located west of Fort Worth, Texas, in a region selected for high solar irradiance, flat terrain, and transmission accessibility. Emphasis is placed on electrical system architecture, including module configuration,
DC string sizing, inverter selection, transformer integration, and interconnection with the utility grid. A single-axis tracking (panel pivoting) system is incorporated to maximize incident solar radiation and increase daily energy capture. Parametric studies
are performed on tilt angle, tracking strategy, module efficiency, and inverter performance to evaluate their influence on overall system output and electrical efficiency.

This project focuses on advancing the Coté Cruiser, an autopiloted Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) originally developed for automated sonar surveys. Building upon the initial iteration, which established the baseline for autonomous navigation and sonar data logging, this second iteration aims to enhance the craft’s power, sonar system, and real-time diagnostic capabilities. These upgrades provide a significant use case for the project sponsor, Freese and Nichols Inc., particularly in San Antonio, where underwater structural surveys of the river could potentially save the city nearly $2 million in damage funds.

This project focuses on the development of a biological and environmental sensor network to monitor the health and feeding behavior of oysters. This system utilizes a specialized cage design to consolidate oysters and sensors into a single, high-precision monitoring hub. The system correlates oyster valve gape activity - specifically feeding duration and frequency - with real-time water quality parameters such as salinity, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll-a. These upgrades provide a significant use case for the project sponsor, Freese and Nichols Inc., by establishing a scalable model for remote water quality monitoring that can be expanded across the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.

The increasing accumulation of plastic waste in landfills has created a need for innovative recycling solutions. This research explores the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polypropylene (PP) waste to produce plastic-sand composite bricks, inspired by the work of Gjenge Makers. In addition to evaluating the strength and durability of these bricks, the study analyzes the amount of recycled plastic incorporated into each and its potential to be remelted and reused, continuing its lifecycle. The plastic-sand composite bricks promote sustainable building practices while removing immense amounts of plastic from local landfills.

This study presents the preliminary design and performance assessment of a 12-MW utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) solar power plant proposed for Hebbronville, Texas. The site was selected due to its high solar irradiance, land availability, and proximity to existing electrical infrastructure. Solar resource data obtained primarily from the NREL database, using two years of solar data, is used to evaluate system performance. The study analyzes plant layout, PV module and inverter selection, and the use of fixed-tilt and tracking panel configurations. Using photovoltaic performance factors (POFs) and standard generation calculations, the plant’s expected power generation and annual energy production are estimated to evaluate the anticipated performance of the system.

This project designs a 15-MW photovoltaic (PV) power plant, located just outside San Angelo, TX in San Saba County, Texas (30.98∘N, −99.00∘W), to evaluate the performance trade-offs between two configurations: a fixed-tilt stationary system and a horizontal single-axis tracking (HSAT) system. Utilizing three years of meteorological data (2021–2023) from the NREL National Solar Radiation Database, the study will perform parametric analyses on the Ground Coverage Ratio (GCR) and DC:AC loading ratios. Calculations will determine annual energy yield, Performance Ratio (PR), and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). Results will quantify the energy gain of tracking systems against increased land requirements and O&M costs, providing a technical justification for solar deployment in the Texas CREZ corridor

This poster presents the electrical and controls design of the Automated Parts Washer (APW), a senior capstone sponsored by Mary Kay and developed by engineering students at Texas Christian University. The system will integrate sensors, actuators, and a programmable control architecture to automate the washing cycle while minimizing operator intervention, designed to improve efficiency, safety, and consistency in industrial component cleaning.. A PLC control system coordinates key subsystems including fluid pumps, spray nozzles, and heating elements, and an ultrasonic bath component to ensure uniform cleaning coverage. Electrical design emphasizes safe power distribution, component protection, and reliable signal interfacing between sensors and control hardware. Control logic will be implemented to manage cycle timing, temperature regulation, and fluid circulation while incorporating safety interlocks and fault detection. Human-machine interaction is provided through a user interface that allows operators to select wash cycles and monitor system status. The resulting design demonstrates how integrated electrical systems and control strategies can transform a traditionally manual cleaning process into a repeatable, automated solution suitable for small-scale manufacturing and maintenance environments.

Climate change and economic factors have led to a considerable increase in demand for renewable power generation in Texas, with yearly renewable generation increasing from 12% in 2015 to 34% in 2025. This study evaluates the feasibility of a 100 MW wind power plant located on the outskirts of El Paso, TX. The plant would require 30 to 40 wind turbines producing 3 MW each, powering up to 75,000 homes on average and providing clean, independent energy to the surrounding metropolitan area. The report focuses on the technical concerns of the proposed wind power plant and predicts its performance based on average hourly weather data in the region.

As global energy demand evolves, maintaining power quality has become a critical challenge in modern electrical systems. This research project examines key factors influencing power quality, focusing on maintaining a stable voltage magnitude and frequency across the grid. To achieve this, we explore techniques such as power factor correction and its role in improving energy efficiency and reducing costs. With the increasing integration of electric vehicles, data centers, and other high-power loads, new challenges arise in grid stability and demand management. Additionally, we investigate system overloading and transmission line considerations, addressing the risks of rising power demand and strategies for mitigating losses. Through this comprehensive study, we highlight the importance of power quality in ensuring the efficiency, reliability, and resilience of modern electrical infrastructures.