Low Cost and Portable Laboratory Kit for Practicum Learning of Air Conditioning Process in Vocational Education

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to develop alow-cost and portable air conditioning teaching and learning kits for vocational education. Unlike the existing commercial productsthat available in the market, this product is based on a low-cost concept usingsimple design,as well as affordable materials andcomponents. This research is according to a product development process flow, followed by a technical analysis and testing, especially for targeted end users. The development if this product consists of the main components of a fourinch diameter round air duct made of PVC, a blower, 5 temperature sensors, fivehumidity sensors, an air flow sensor, a refrigeration system, twoelectric heaters and an ultrasonic humidifier. In addition, this kit is relatively small with dimensions of 1500 x 600 x 700 mm and is easy to move and can be used in various places. Total analysis costs less than 3,000 USD, while commercially available offer prices are more than 5,000 USD. Thus the manufacture of this kit is suitable for developing countries with a lot of trial space and limited funding. The performance test results from this kit are also able to show psychometric processes that can be directly observed on the monitor display. Based on open-ended question, student indicated that this product facilitates their learning, improves understanding of the air conditioning process, and increases creativity in problem solving. In the future, this kitcan be integrated with computer devices so that measurement data recording can be more accurate and automatically stored safely.