2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

A Miniaturized Hydroelectric Dam Benchtop Kit for Remote Hands-On Learning in Undergraduate Fluid Mechanics

Presented at DELOS Technical Session 4: Fluid Mechanics, Physical Systems & Hands-On Labs

Hands-on learning is a cornerstone of engineering education and is codified in accreditation standards such as ABET Criterion 3 Outcome 6, which requires students to design and conduct experiments, analyze and interpret data, and draw conclusions using engineering judgment. Need for experimentation makes fully online engineering instruction challenging. Prior research shows that hands-on “engineering kits” enabling remote experimentation can achieve learning outcomes equal to or exceeding those of traditional in-person laboratories. Once widely implemented, such kits can expand access to engineering education for students facing barriers to physical attendance including family care obligations, chronic illness, full-time employment, study abroad, or financial constraints.

To extend the capabilities of remote laboratory instruction, a miniaturized hydroelectric dam benchtop simulator was developed for an undergraduate mechanical engineering fluids course. The kit allows remote learners to assemble, operate, collect data from, and analyze a dynamic fluids experiment regardless of their location. The setup consists of a 2-liter graduated cylinder fitted with a threaded outlet connected to a small turbine-generator. Water flows under hydrostatic pressure through the turbine, generating measurable electrical power before being captured in a reservoir then recirculated by a pump into the graduated cylinder to maintain steady-state operation.

In a pilot implementation, students in a junior-level fluids class tested the experiment in a simulated remote environment for extra credit in the course. These participants had prior experience with fluid lab kits but had not previously used this specific hydroelectric dam setup. Students measured turbine power output using a multimeter to record voltage across a variable resistor serving as the electrical load. Comparing measured power output to the theoretical hydroelectric power equation enabled calculation of turbine efficiency and comparison with manufacturer data. Students also explored the effects of varying electrical load, head pressure, and flow rate on turbine-generator performance and stall onset.

Following the experiment, students completed surveys assessing both their learning gains and perceptions of the kit’s educational value. If survey results confirm comparable learning outcomes and favorable attitudes relative to in-person labs, the miniaturized hydroelectric dam simulator will be integrated into future fluids course offerings. This pragmatic educational approach broadens access to authentic, hands-on engineering experiences while reducing the logistical and financial burdens of traditional laboratory instruction.

Authors

Ms. Eve M. Maramba University of Florida [biography]

Eve M. Maramba is a third-year mechanical engineering student at the University of Florida. She is a lead researcher in the GatorKits Lab headed by Dr. Matthew J. Traum. Her research at UF focuses on employing mechanical engineering principles to further engineering education, with topics that stem from 3D printing manufacturing to experiments with fluid simulations. Her previous summer research at Northwestern University centered on advanced robotic manufacturing and direct energy deposition. Her goal is to continue mechatronics and manufacturing research and eventually earn her PhD. Outside of academics, she also participates in Gator Battlebots, the Society of Women Engineers, and Engineering Leadership Circle. Eve M. Maramba has earned Dean’s List all three years and is a Benacquisto Scholar.
Genevieve Ipasu University of Florida [biography]

Genevieve U. Ipasu is a second-year mechanical engineering Student at the University of Florida. Her undergraduate research is through the GatorKits Lab headed by Dr. Matthew J. Traum. She works under Eve M. Maramba to aid in creating ABET standard fluid mechanics lab kits to further engineering education. Outside of the lab, Genevieve is an active member of the Southern Scholarship Foundation, serving as one of the Social Chair and Media Coordinators. She is also a member of the UF chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, and plans on continuing academic work throughout the summer.
Chloe Leander University of Florida [biography]

Chloe I. Leander is a second-year mechanical engineering student at the University of Florida. She is an undergraduate assistant in the GatorKits Lab headed by Dr. Matthew J. Traum. She works under Eve M. Maramba to aid in creating ABET standard fluid mechanics lab kits to further engineering education. Outside of research, she is the Fundraising Chair for Society of Women Engineers, an active participant in the University of Florida Philharmonic Orchestra and has been on the Dean’s List every semester. She also has an upcoming co-op with Georgia Pacific in the Fall of 2026.
Dr. Matthew J. Traum http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1105-0439 University of Florida [biography]

Dr. Matthew J. Traum is a Master Lecturer and Instructional Full Professor in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida (UF) where he leads GatorKits Laboratory as PI. He is a Fellow of Sigma Xi, the International Scientific Research Honor Society, and he is an elected Sigma Xi Director representing the Southeast Region. Dr. Traum is an experienced educator, administrator, fundraiser, and researcher. As of 2026, he has co-authored 1 book chapter, published 90 refereed journal and conference papers, written an engineering design Open Educational Resource (OER) textbook, and attracted over $1.43 Million in funding as PI or Co-PI. Prior to UF, Dr. Traum was founding CEO of Engineer Inc., a successful education technology social enterprise and pioneer in STEM instructional lab kits for remote learning.

Previously, Dr. Traum was an Associate Professor and Director of Engineering Programs at Philadelphia University. He also served on the Milwaukee School of Engineering faculty as well as co-founding the Mechanical & Energy Engineering Department at the University of North Texas – Denton.

Traum received Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in mechanical engineering from MIT, and he holds two B.S. degrees from the UC Irvine in mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering.

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 21, 2026, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 24, 2026

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