THE DEVELOPMENT AND INTEGRATION OF HUMANITARIAN ENGINEERING CURRICULUM IN AN ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Aaron Brown

Duane Swigert

Metropolitan State University of Denver

MSU DENVER ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

Civil Engineering Technology Program - Extended major with two concentrations.

Electrical Engineering Technology Program - Major, extended major with three concentrations, two minors, three certificates.

Mechanical Engineering Technology Program - Extended major with two concentrations, minor.

WHY HUMANITARIAN ENGINEERING ?

• Humanitarian engineering is research and design to directly improve the wellbeing of marginalized or under-served communities.

• The main purpose is to increase the quality of life for those that don’t have the necessary means to do so themselves.

• This is done through smaller scale infrastructure projects such as water pumps, hydroelectric power generation, solar heating, water filtration, and much more.

A LARGE GAP REMAINS BETWEEN TODAY’S TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES AND THE NEEDS OF THE WORLD’S MAJORITY

Population Benefitted

Engineering Focus

0%

100% GAP

WATER & SANITATIONENERGYSHELTERHEALTH

EDUCATIONRESILIENCY TO CRISES

10%90%

“The majority of the world’s designers focus all their efforts on developing products and services exclusively for the richest 10% of the world’s customers. Nothing less than a revolution in design is needed to reach the other 90%.” Dr. Paul Polak, International Development Enterprises

1.2 billion lack clean water 2.4 billion lack adequate sanitation 2.4 billion are at risk with malaria 29,000 children die from hunger daily 1.1 billion overfed vs. 1.1 billion underfed

Why Humanitarian Engineering?

1.2 billion lack adequate housing 1.6 billion have no access to electricity 4.2 billion are unable to read 1.8 billion live in conflict zones, in transition, or in

situations of permanent instability

• The nature of humanitarian engineering projects offer a unique opportunity to teach students through an approach that integrates theory with a practical hands-on experience

SERVICE LEARNING

combining classroom instruction with meaningful community service

HUMANITARIAN ENGINEERING COURSECOSTA RICA - WINTERIM 2013

STUDENTS DESIGNED AND BUILT A SIMPLE SOLAR WATER HEATER USING LOCALLY SOURCED AVAILABLE MATERIALS INTENDED FOR INSTALLATION ON A LOCAL SCHOOL

MATERIALS

CONSTRUCTION

TIRED, HUNGRY, HAPPY

PROJECTS COURSE

Westwood community solar furnace project

Assistive technology project

Solar water filtration project

SOLAR FURNACE

•The emerging field of alternative energy provides opportunities to develop new technologies to meet societal needs through a different paradigm.

•Opportunity to help communities with simple/sustainable/inexpensive technologies

•Engages students on a local service learning activity

SOLAR FURNACE DESIGN

Array of soda can towers (other options/materials can be substituted based on availability)

Enclosed in insulated box Polycarbonate screen (can be substituted with other

materials (i.e. glass, shower curtains, acrylic) based on availability and budget

Mixing manifolds at top and bottom Solar or AC powered fan

HOW IT WORKS

CONSTRUCTION

Uses computer fans (range is 50-80 CFM). These fans were found on ebay for $3 a piece and costs approximately 2 cents a day to run. The system is scalable and flexible.

TESTING

This design had a maximum output temp of 170°F (from 70°F Input) during testing.

STUDENTS INSTALL DEMONSTRATION UNITS

Public radio's live midday news program

Soda Can Solar Furnace Helps Cut Heating Bills

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Collaboration with Assistive Technology Partners of Colorado

Mission: to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve their highest potential through the use of assistive technology, by providing exemplary clinical services, consultation, education, research and innovative technology development.

SOLAR WATER FILTRATION

Students are designing a water filtration system that can be used in developing communities

LA PIEDRA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

HUMANITARIAN ENGINEERING CLUB

QUESTIONS?