Automated Greenhouse with Aquaponics Students Ally Arbanas, Robert Davinsizer, Cameron Parry, and Lance Puhatch
A fully automated greenhouse with aquaponics, completely controlled by PLC, with limited human interaction. Our greenhouse’s automation monitors parameters such as lighting conditions, temperature and humidity, watering solutions, all with the goal to provide vegetation with optimal growing conditions and balancing a healthy nitrogen cycle beneficial to both fish and plants. Project Adviser: Mr. Craig Brennecke
Sun Tracking Solar Home Generator Students Chang Bickel and Ian Reed
Project description: A dual-axis system that tracks the sun’s movement throughout the day to charge a central power hub that can power home appliances up to 600W in case of an outage. Project Adviser: Mr. Craig Brennecke
6-Axis Anthropomorphic Robot sponsored by Lockheed Martin Students Benjamin Bearer, Evan Cardoza, Leroy Henry, and Shiona Lonesky
A 6-axis robot that is designed to put three parts of a box together, that can be remotely accessed. This project is sponsored by Lockheed Martin for the Electro-Mechanical Engineering students at Penn State Altoona.
Automated Drink Maker Students Tyler Huss, Austin McConaghy, John “Alex” Murray, Zachary Taylor.
A drink maker that allows multiple mixtures of drinks, two different cup size options, the option for ice, and the option for the drink to be mixed. All automated by a compact Logix PLC by Alan Bradley. Project Adviser: Mr. Craig Brennecke
Automated Algae Bio-Reactor Students Hans Braumann, Nathan Frick, Victoria Williamson
An autonomous growing chamber meant to yield superb algae. This algae will then be used to create biofuel. Project Adviser: Mr. Craig Brennecke
Digital Communications for Medium Wave Frequencies Students Christian Wilkins and CJ Wilson
Build upon earlier work to develop a Portable Amateur Radio Station at Penn State Altoona (2019-2020 EMET capstone project). Obtain FCC Amateur Technician and General Class licenses and design/build/ test a station capable of two-way digital communications on the 160 Meter Band and the reception of digital communications on the 630 Meter Band. Project Adviser: Mr. Steven Betza
Automated Wine Bottle Process Students Alex D. Link, Olivia D. Miller, Tyler G. Scott, and Cedric N. Wilt
An automated bottling process that utilizes a conveyor system driven by an AC motor, motion sensors, and pneumatic actuators. This machine will fill, cork, and brand the cork using an iron brander. This was designed with safety and small businesses in mind. Project Adviser: Mr. Craig Brennecke
Automated Heating Recovery Ventilator Students Charles Reilly, Jacob Schultz, and Ethan Sprigg
A mechanical apparatus for capturing heat from a home HVAC system’s exhaust air during the heating season. The captured heat is used to pre-heat the system’s cold supply air, reducing energy demands on the main HVAC unit. Project Adviser: Mr. Craig Brennecke
Penn State Altoona is proud to present the 2020 Student Awards, celebrating the many achievements of our students, faculty, and staff during the 2019-2020 academic year.
