Fostering chemical engineering competencies through competition teams: The UPM MotoStudent Electric experience

Abstract

An active learning experience was developed through the UPM MotoStudent competition team, where chemical engineering students tackled challenges related to the cooling of the electric motor. This project led to the development of four chemical engineering-related projects: (i) drying and cooling of air using an adsorption bed and dry ice, (ii) design and construction of a radiator, (iii) development of a testing bench with control systems and information monitoring, and (iv) development and characterization of dielectric oils for the prevention of electroerosion phenomenon. The competition provided a hands-on platform for students to apply their knowledge of heat and mass transfer, fluid mechanics, and process control in a real-world context. Furthermore, soft skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and time management were crucially developed, contributing to the overall success of the project. The learning outcomes of this experience pushed students to the highest levels of Bloom's taxonomy—Evaluate and Create—levels seldom reached in undergraduate courses. Participants highlighted the project's strong impact on technical learning, personal growth and teamwork.