A Structured Immersive Learning Environment for Process Engineering Based on Real VR
Educating chemical engineers for coming challenges
Chemical Engineering Education -Poster Session (T6-P)
Keywords: immersive system, process systems, interactive learning, virtual reality
This work presents a new development in process engineering learning environments through the use of spherical photography of real process plant coupled with an interactive user system. The system provides a vehicle for enhanced learning of process engineering principles for students and plant operators at various levels of understanding – from process plant awareness through details of process equipment, control principles and risk management concepts. Assessment techniques for students and operations personnel can be embedded in or linked to the system.
The system is constructed around a high resolution QuickTime VR movie that permits a comprehensive walk-through of the process unit being considered. Activities within the system can be conducted at various levels of detail, these being linked to the VR system. Guided tours with full commentary can be taken as well as free ranging tours to investigate aspects of design and operation.
Process engineering principles are presented in a hierarchical and parallel structure that aids extensibility of the system and allows the user to drill down into the environment. In particular, the modules seek to address process concepts from the plant-wide level through operating units to individual items of equipment. Specially built animations give insight into the operations of the unit, sub-units and equipment. These can be linked to input changes that affect operational modes. This will help users to understand process engineering principles such as heat and mass transfer. Unit and equipment dynamic simulations can be linked to the VR system thus aiding users to appreciate dynamics and control aspects of large-scale process plant
The system is designed for engineering students across the curriculum and can be used by various course coordinators to complement other teaching and learning methods. The current version is in its second development phase with embedded learning activities for students and operators in areas of process and plant awareness as well as complex isolation procedures for shutdown purposes.
Presented Monday 17, 13:30 to 15:00, in session Chemical Engineering Education -Poster Session (T6-P).
