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A Selection of IQPs
The Evaluation of Cyclistic, a Bike Route Planning Tool for Tourists in Copenhagen
By:
The Danish Cyclists Federation recently released a web-based, bike route-planning tool, Cyclistic, designed to facilitate cycling amongst tourists in Denmark. To test the
software's usability, we compared Cyclistic to other route-planners, interviewed 25 tourists about their biking needs, and conducted a usability study with 16 tourists. As a result, we identified major aspects of Cyclistic that could be modified and additional features that could improve the usability of the software.
Revitalizing Recycling in Denmark
By:
Celena H Dopart, AE
Stephanie Elaine Post, BC
Erik C Silva, ECE
Denmark is internationally considered a leader in environmentalism and promotes a comprehensive, organized waste management plan. However, household recycling rates are significantly lower than overall recycling rates for the country. In order to raise household rates, we collaborated with Miljopunkt Norrebro in Copenhagen, Denmark to study the application of psychological factors to an interactive recycling program. Based on our research and results we determined that convenience and information are the most important factors of recycling behavior, followed closely by personal norms and
incentives. These results were used to create recommendations for an interactive
recycling station and an engaging, informative website, to provide a sound revitalization of Norrebro's recycling system.
Assessment of Energy Reduction Campaign: An Analysis of the Behavioral and Attitudinal Impacts of an Environmental Initiative in the Danish Municipality of Lyngby-Taarbaek
By:
Andrew Z Keating, CS
Andrew K Labak, CM
Valentina S Polyakova, BE Advisors:
Salazar, Guillermo F., CE Date: 2009-05-11
Link: http://www.wpi.edu/Pubs/E-project/Available/E-project-051109-091938/
Abstract:
This report, prepared for The Science Shop, reviews the impact of an energy reduction campaign upon the attitudes of city employees in the Danish municipality of Lyngby-Taarbaek. This assessment was accomplished through the analysis of energy
consumption records from five different municipal buildings, interviews with key informants and information gathered through an internet survey. The campaign had a significant impact upon the attitudes of many municipal employees, although this did not result in energy savings in all cases.
Development of the Zero Heroes Program in the London Borough of Croydon By:
Erin Marie Agar, [email protected], BIO
Christian Joseph Iamartino, [email protected], PH
Caitlin Ann McMahon, [email protected], MAC
Christian Mark Mortensen, [email protected], CS Advisors:
In order to promote sustainable travel to school, Croydon Council is working with Norbury Manor Primary School to introduce Zero Heroes: a program encouraging all students to walk to school on June 15th, 2012. Utilizing academic research and
interviews with experienced staff in similar programs throughout London, the WPI team identified and compiled the key components for a successful walk-to-school program and applied them in the formulation of Zero Heroes - including recommendations for
continuing the program in future iterations.
Digitizing the Archives of the Private Committees for the Safeguarding of Venice By:
Lorey Michelle Aragon, IE
Jeremy Scott Brown, [email protected], BE
Gabriela C Nunez, [email protected], EVS
Julie Anne Wade, [email protected], MA Advisors:
Bianchi, Frederick W., HU
Carrera, Fabio Date: 2011-12-20
Link: http://www.wpi.edu/Pubs/E-project/Available/E-project-122011-171038/
Abstract:
The overall aim of this project was to design a digitization process that would efficiently extract all the useful and important information about restoration records contained in the paper archive of the Private Committees. The team selected a representative sample of 5% of the paper records to develop a final method for the extraction and digitization of relevant information from the archive. The test that was conducted allowed the team to estimate the extent of the archive in 47,000 pages, which would take two years to digitize for a total cost of 95,000 Euros. By extracting pieces of information from the scanned documents, the team demonstrated that the resulting system facilitates detailed analyses that reveal trends that were previously hidden in the paper archive.
Interactive Venice: Using Art and Games to Bring Awareness to Venetian Social Concerns
By:
Michael Stewart Frankfort, [email protected], IMG
Rinaldo R Izzo, [email protected], ME
Roni George Rostom, [email protected], ECE
Jillian Ames Sauer, [email protected], IMG Advisors:
This project explores three approaches to raising awareness about the social concerns in Venice through fun and interactivity. The first approach, entitled "Interacting," consists of hardware installations designed to stimulate the senses of a user. The second approach, called "Exploring," consists of a geocaching route, an outdoor treasure hunting game. The third approach, entitled "Contributing," is a mobile application which allows users to tag and locate Venetian social concerns. These three approaches are woven together by an art exhibit that acts as a central terminal to display all of the individual elements. The exhibit uses multiple types of interaction and media in order to share knowledge of social
problems in Venice, as a foundation to be featured in a major art exhibition.
A Selection of MQPs
The following are three examples of MQPs completed by WPI students in recent years.
The abstracts are provided here to give an overview of the project as well as the link to access the entire report.
Design of Scale-Model Floating Wind Turbine Platforms
By:
Diana Berio
Christopher Gabrielson
Stephen Hanly
Michal Parzych
Michael Sacco
Ryan Sebastien Advisor:
Professor David J. Olinger, PhD, Advisor Date: March 16, 2012
Link: http://www.wpi.edu/Pubs/E-project/Available/E-project-031610-140402/unrestricted/Wind_Turbines_Final_Report.pdf
Abstract:
The goal of this project was to design and build scale models of a tension leg platform and a shallow draft barge floating wind turbine, and to perform hydrodynamic tests. The models are scaled 100:1 from prototypes developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This report details the design process for the model turbine components, including revisions and suggestions for improvement. Components were modeled in SolidWorks, then fabricated using a rapid prototyping system or machine tools. A data acquisition system (accelerometer,
inclinometer, and load cell sensors) developed by a concurrent master’s student project were integrated into the models to collect data during testing. Models were tested in fresh water to determine buoyancy, draft, and response to various wave conditions. Successful preliminary tests were performed in the 6 foot by 6 foot flume at Alden Research
Laboratory with the turbine models in a towing condition; the configuration used to transport the turbines from the shore to the desired location of operation. Future testing using the developed scale models will study operating conditions where the platforms are moored with cables to the ocean floor.
WPI 10 Faraday Street Residence Hall: Project Management and Alternative Design By:
Professor Guillermo Salazar, PhD
Professor Leffi Cewe-Malloy Date: March 11, 2013
Link: http://www.wpi.edu/Pubs/E-project/Available/E-project-031113-163340/unrestricted/MQP_Res_Hall_Report.pdf
Abstract:
This project proposes an alternative design for the new 10 Faraday Street Residence Hall and compares it to the existing design in terms of functionality, LEED certification, construction schedule, and cost. The structural implications of increased gravity loads are reviewed. Building Information Modeling software is used to facilitate visualization of design, construction, and quantification of information. This project analyzes the
communication process during the construction of the existing building and generates a 4D model of the early stages of construction.
Non-Invasive Detection of Faults in Power Lines By:
Michael Dube
Nick Gagnon
Adam Haines Advisors:
Professor Alexander Emanuel, PhD Date: April 21, 2008
Link: http://www.wpi.edu/Pubs/E-project/Available/E-project-042808-122721/unrestricted/MQP08ECE25793.pdf
Abstract:
The goal of this project was to design a product that could detect faults in a transmission line system and relay that information back to a control center. To accomplish this, pickup coils were installed in the proximity of the transmission lines and were used to monitor the magnetic fields produced by the lines’ currents. Theoretical and actual simulations were completed successfully and demonstrate that it is possible to determine with great accuracy the type and time of the fault.