2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

In this paper, we delve into the development and deployment of the Heat Exchanger Module (HEM) within a thermal/fluids laboratory. Focusing on enriching the educational experience within this specialized context, the HEM serves as a dedicated tool for students to explore and master heat exchanger principles, a cornerstone of Mechanical Engineering at the authors' university. Detailed discussions in this paper include the HEM's design, operational procedures, and its seamless integration into the laboratory infrastructure. By emphasizing critical concepts such as heat transfer and process optimization, students are empowered to gain hands-on experience in operating heat exchangers within a controlled laboratory setting. Furthermore, this paper analyzes the impact of the HEM on student learning outcomes through a mixed method assessment. It examines how the exclusive utilization of the HEM augments the overall educational experience, enhances problem-solving acumen, and reinforces theoretical comprehension within the realm of thermal/fluids. The results of these assessments are presented, offering evidence of the positive influence of the HEM on students' mastery of heat exchanger principles.