Using a process simulator to enhance the learning of heat exchanger design in fourth-semester chemical engineering students

This study explored the perceptions of fourth-semester Chemical Engineering students at Tecnologico de Monterrey (ITESM), State of Mexico Campus, regarding their use of Aspen Exchanger Design and Rating (EDR) software. The university’s Tec21 Educational Model requires students to resolve real-world challenges posed by professors and external training partners. In the study, students in the fourth semester of Chemical Engineering were required to design a shell and tube heat exchanger for an amine absorption system in two consecutive learning blocks. Block I focused on heat transfer systems, combining theoretical and practical knowledge with manual and Excel calculations. In Block II, students used Aspen Plus and Aspen HYSYS for shortcut calculations and Aspen EDR for rigorous calculations to validate their proposals in Block I. At the end of Block II, study indicators revealed that the students valued the engagement of training partners and real-world challenges, considering these to have significantly contributed to their academic experience. They emphasized the importance of learning simulation software early in their academic careers, as it validates manual calculations and produces optimal designs. They described the challenge as intellectually stimulating and believed it strengthened transversal competencies such as critical thinking, teamwork, and resilience.