Impact of Ultrasonic Transducer Arrangement on Cavitation

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Tan Dat Duong Engineering
Advisor(s): Hubert Hall Engineering

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.

Engineering Design of a 20 MW Grid-Connected Solar Power Plant in Yuma, Arizona

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Henry Hartman Engineering Moses Hernandez Engineering
Advisor(s): Efstathios Michaelides Engineering

This paper discusses the design of a 20-MW photovoltaic solar power plant near Yuma, Arizona. It presents the requirements to create such a power plant by using the efficiency of a selected PV solar cell as a parameter to determine the cost and area requirements, along with capacity factor and expected average power output throughout the year. The meteorological data used includes wind speed, temperature, solar zenith angle, surface albedo, direct normal irradiance (DNI), diffuse horizontal irradiance (DHI), and global horizontal irradiance (GHI), collected at 30-minute intervals from 2018 to 2024 sourced from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB) at coordinates 32.08°N, 113.87°W. 

Prototyping a high flow nebulizer

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Daniel Hennessey Engineering
Advisor(s): Robert Bittle Engineering

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.

80MW Wind Farm Design in Marfa TX

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Daniel Hennessey Engineering
Advisor(s): Stathis Michaelides Engineering

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.

A Net-Zero Energy Home in Fort Worth, TX

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Daniel Ingram Engineering Cameron Vieck Engineering Cameron Vieck Engineering
Advisor(s): Efstathios Michaelides Engineering

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.

80 MW Wind Energy Farm in Wyoming

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Lee Jacobs Engineering J.P. Van Dam Engineering
Advisor(s): Efstathios Michaelides Engineering

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.

Net Zero House in Phoenix Arizona

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Monica Lopez Aguirre Engineering
Advisor(s): Stathis Michaelides Engineering

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.

Grid-Independent Solar Powered Golf Resort

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Cole Martinez Engineering Levi Meis Engineering
Advisor(s): Efstathios Michaelides Engineering

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

ROS 2-Based LiDAR Robot for Autonomous Maze Navigation

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Miles Masker Engineering Cris Gamez Engineering Lorenzo Martinez Engineering Juan Moncada Engineering Angel Mota Engineering
Advisor(s): Morgan Kiani Engineering

Task Timer

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Juan Moncada Engineering Charlotte Cattaneo Engineering Lance Lincoln Engineering Levi Meis Engineering David Nguyen Engineering Campbell Pushkin Engineering Alessandra Senis Engineering
Advisor(s): Robert Bittle Engineering

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.