My HVAC&R senior design project focuses on developing hands-on airflow visualization laboratories using a desktop wind tunnel and fog generator.
The goal is to help future HVAC&R students physically see airflow behavior that is difficult to understand through equations alone, including flow separation, recirculation, wakes, turning, mixing, and the effects of obstructions.
Our team is currently developing test pieces for several laboratory concepts. I am CADing components for Lab 1, which focuses on how duct geometry affects airflow, and Lab 3, which explores louvers, dampers, and flow distribution. We are fabricating the prototypes using translucent PETG so the fog patterns remain visible during testing.
We have also begun testing the wind tunnel and fog generator to understand its operating range and determine which airflow behaviors can be demonstrated clearly and repeatably.
An important part of the project is understanding the limitations of the model. Because a desktop wind tunnel cannot perfectly reproduce full-scale HVAC conditions, we are also studying Reynolds number effects, blockage, boundary conditions, and which observations can reasonably be applied to real HVAC systems.
The final goal is to develop repeatable laboratory exercises, CAD files, student instructions, and instructor materials that can be used in future Cal Poly HVAC&R courses.
Current Work
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CAD design of interchangeable airflow test pieces
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Rapid prototyping using translucent PETG
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Wind tunnel and fog generator testing
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Duct geometry and airflow visualization
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Louver and damper flow visualization
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Experimental procedure development
Skills: HVAC&R, CAD, fluid mechanics, air distribution, rapid prototyping, experimental design, engineering education