College of Technology Upgrades Flow Loop for Cutting-Edge Engineering Education

Imagine a sophisticated system that simulates real-world engineering processes — a "flow loop" that emulates the movement of fluids and gasses, much like in plants and facilities College of Technology graduates experience in the workplace. Understanding such systems is pivotal for budding engineering technicians, ensuring they are ready for real-world challenges. At the Energy Systems Technology and Education Center (ESTEC) within the Idaho State University College of Technology, the flow loop system has recently been upgraded.

The modifications were funded by the Battelle Energy Alliance (BEA), known for their operations at the Idaho National Laboratory. Leading the development of this project were Jeremy Perschon, program coordinator for the College of Technology’s instrumentation engineering technology program, and Evan Smith, a former mechanical engineering technology instructor. Zach Kestner, an instrumentation engineering technology student, and Jonny Brownley, an ESTEC lab assistant, worked on the project as well.

“Now the flow loop is going to be available for all the different programs in ESTEC,” Perschon said. “For instrumentation, I can insert problems so the students can go find those problems. This approach ensures students are prepared to address and solve real-world engineering issues they might face in their careers.”

A standout feature of the enhanced flow loop is its wireless monitoring system, governed by an Ovation Distributed Control System. This control system is renowned for its adoption by numerous power plants across the country. Notably, researchers from the Centers for Advanced Energy Studies at the INL have employed this system for specific security research projects.

The introduction of the Ovation DCS wasn't the only enhancement. The flow loop now boasts advanced programming capabilities, an intuitive interface, and modernized instrumentation. These strategic updates provide students with an enriched training experience and create opportunities for applied research.

Reflecting on the practicality of these changes, ISU student Dominic Radford commented, “It will give me better troubleshooting skills because it will let us work with something that is applicable to what we’ll do out in the field.”

These advancements at the College of Technology not only elevate the quality of education but also prepare students for the rapidly evolving landscape of engineering technology.