2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This paper presents a project-based learning approach to teach the fundamental aspects of a DC motor, half-wave, and full-wave rectifier circuits in a laboratory. The lab's objectives include:

1. Learn about the essential components of a DC motor by constructing a low-cost DC motor kit.
2. Explore practical methods to enhance the design and performance of the DC motor.
3. Explore and build half-wave and full-wave rectifier circuits to learn their application on a light bulb and the DC motor built by students.
4. Obtain practical techniques for reducing noise while measuring motor output voltage.
5. Utilize an oscilloscope to visualize and analyze the input and output of rectifier circuits.

Assessment methods involve prelab quizzes and post-lab reports to evaluate student learning outcomes. The prelab quiz requires building a low-cost DC motor and improving its performance before the lab session. Each student built the DC motor, and in the lab, they verified the motor's functionality. Next, they constructed half- and full-wave rectifier circuits that operated from a 9-14 volt AC voltage from an AC power generator source. Initial testing of the rectifier circuit involves connecting it to a 28 W light bulb to verify that the circuit produces a rectified output response. Then, students focus on building the circuit exclusively around the DC motor and clarify its output rectified response. The final segment addresses rectifying the voltage ripple using the light bulb in parallel configurations with the DC motor.

This paper outlines the assessment strategy and explains student observations and discussions during the lab. The main goal is to educate students on the significance of each component in the DC motor, half-wave, and full-wave rectifier circuit and emphasize safety and conscientious practices when working with AC power systems.