CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Effective management of electrical loads is vital across various

applications, from household electronics to industrial machinery. Relays,

electromechanical devices, play a pivotal role in this process by enabling precise

control and switching of electrical circuits. Operating on the principle of

electromagnetic attraction, relays respond to electrical faults by initiating the

opening or closing of connections. Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) serves as a

critical component in backup power systems, ensuring uninterrupted power

supply by seamlessly transferring between primary and secondary power

sources. Particularly in critical environments such as hospitals and data centers,

ATS plays a vital role in safeguarding against power outages and ensuring

continuous operations. Recognizing the significance of both relays and ATS in

electric control systems, particularly in activating other electric controllers, our

research project seeks to enrich the learning experience of students enrolled in

the Instrumentation and Control Engineering course (ELE 030) at PHINMA COC.

However, to provide students with comprehensive educational resources, there is

a need to develop specialized teaching materials customized to the course's

unique requirements. In response to this need, our research project focuses on

developing a dedicated trainer board that emphasizes the use of relays for

managing electrical loads and incorporates ATS functionalities. By offering

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hands-on experience with the trainer board, our goal is to enhance the Electrical

Engineering education at PHINMA COC, empowering students with practical

skills and knowledge essential for their future careers, even before they enter the

professional realm. Through interactive laboratory exercises and projects

facilitated by our experienced instructors, students will deepen their

understanding of relay functionality, ATS operation, and their integration in real-

world scenarios. This practical approach not only enhances their learning

experience but also equips them with valuable problem-solving abilities relevant

to the field of Electrical Engineering. Overall, our research endeavors to support

and strengthen the educational initiatives at PHINMA COC by providing students

with comprehensive and practical training. By offering hands-on experience with

relay control systems and ATS functionalities, we ensure that students are well-

prepared to apply their knowledge and skills in diverse settings, even before they

graduate.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

This research project aims to develop a specialized trainer board tailored for

the ELE 030 - Instrumentation and Control Engineering subject curriculum at

PHINMA COC, with a focus on relay control for various applications including

automatic transfer switches, controlling multiple loads, and other related

functionalities. However, there is still room for improvement in the available

teaching materials to better align with the specific learning objectives of ELE 030

- Instrumentation and Control Engineering at our institution. By addressing this

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need and creating a comprehensive trainer board that complements the course

objectives, this project seeks to enhance students' understanding of relay

functioning and its application in diverse scenarios beyond load management.

While our school has provided teaching resources, there is an opportunity to

enhance the breadth of applications and functionalities related to relay control to

further enrich students' exposure and practical understanding of these concepts.

Through hands-on experience with the proposed trainer board, students will have

the opportunity to explore basic concepts, experiment with different control

methods, and develop essential skills relevant to various applications including

automatic transfer switches and controlling multiple loads. This initiative aims to

build upon the existing resources provided by our school, enhancing student

engagement, facilitating deeper understanding, and fostering expertise in relay-

based systems, ultimately enriching the educational experience in Electrical

Engineering at PHINMA COC.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The objective of this study regarding the experiment of a trainer board for ELE

030 – Instrumentation and Control Engineering using relays is to provide

students with a specialized educational tool that further enhances their

understanding and practical application of relay control concepts. While our

institution, PHINMA COC, has provided ample teaching resources, there is an

opportunity to enrich students' learning experiences by offering a dedicated

trainer board tailored to the specific learning objectives of the course.

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The following objectives of this study will guide our research efforts:

1. To develop a trainer board customized to the ELE 030 - Instrumentation

and Control Engineering curriculum, emphasizing relay control for various

applications including automatic transfer switches, controlling multiple

loads, and other related functionalities. This initiative aims to build upon

the existing resources provided by PHINMA COC and further enhance

students' practical understanding of relay technology.

2. To assess the accuracy and effectiveness of the developed trainer board

in performing experiments. Through statistical analysis, researchers will

ensure the reliability and validity of the educational tool, providing students

with a robust platform for conducting experiments and gaining practical

insights into relay operation.

3. To provide students with hands-on experience and practical

demonstrations of relay operation, including its functions, modes of

operation, and application in controlling loads. By engaging in interactive

experiments on the trainer board, students will deepen their understanding

of relay technology, contributing to their expertise in the field of Electrical

Engineering.

By achieving these objectives, the study aims to complement the educational

resources provided by PHINMA COC and offer students valuable learning

opportunities to further enhance their understanding and application of relay

technology in controlling electrical loads. Ultimately, this initiative aims to enrich

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the educational experience in Electrical Engineering at PHINMA COC, ensuring

that students are well-prepared to excel in their academic and professional

endeavors.

1.4 Hypothesis

The implementation of a laboratory trainer board will enhance the

comprehension and application of relay control principles among students

enrolled in Electrical Engineering at PHINMA COC. It is anticipated that the

utilization of this trainer board will significantly improve students' ability to

understand the functioning of relays and apply them effectively in practical

scenarios. Through hands-on learning facilitated by the trainer board, students

are expected to develop a deeper understanding of relay control principles and

demonstrate increased proficiency in load management techniques.

1.5 Significance of the Study

The study's outcomes will yield significant benefits for students, educators,

and future researchers within the field of Electrical Engineering:

Students: By integrating practical relay control applications into the curriculum

through the trainer board, students will gain invaluable hands-on experience

aligned with industry standards. This exposure enhances their readiness for the

professional realm by equipping them with the practical skills necessary to

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navigate real-world challenges in electrical systems. Consequently, students are

better prepared to address complex issues and excel in their future careers.

Teachers: The trainer board serves as a powerful instructional tool for

educators, enabling them to effectively demonstrate relay control concepts and

their practical applications. Through hands-on experimentation, teachers can

enhance students' understanding and retention of theoretical concepts, fostering

deeper engagement and comprehension in the classroom. Ultimately, the trainer

board enhances teaching efficacy by providing a dynamic platform for illustrating

complex concepts and bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Future Researchers: The trainer board offers a valuable resource for future

researchers seeking to explore innovative instructional methodologies and

pedagogical approaches in relay control education. Researchers can utilize the

trainer board to investigate various teaching strategies, identify best practices,

and contribute to the advancement of teaching and learning in electrical

engineering education.

By evaluating the effectiveness of different instructional methods, future

researchers can enhance educational outcomes and drive continuous

improvement within the field.

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 1.5 Scope and Limitations of the Study

This research will be conducted during the second semester of the 2023 –

2024 academic year at PHINMA – Cagayan de Oro College (Main Campus). The

study's scope encompasses the development, implementation, and assessment

of the trainer board within the framework of the ELE 030 course. Specifically, it

focuses on crafting a trainer board that harmonizes with the course's learning

objectives, providing students with practical learning opportunities to grasp relay

control principles and their relevance in load management. Furthermore, it aims

to gauge the trainer board's effectiveness in enhancing students' understanding

and skills in relay control. However, it's important to acknowledge several

limitations. Firstly, the study's outcomes may be influenced by the size of the

student sample involved in the evaluation, potentially impacting the applicability

of the findings. Additionally, constraints related to time and resources could

restrict the thoroughness of data collection and analysis. Conducted within a

single institution, the study's findings may not be universally applicable to other

educational environments. Lastly, external factors like student engagement and

prior knowledge could influence the study's results, though these factors are

beyond the researcher's control. Despite these constraints, the study endeavors

to offer valuable insights into developing and utilizing educational tools for relay

control instruction in electrical engineering education.

1.7 Conceptual Framework

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 INPUT

Understanding Existing System

- By understanding the existing system of relay control education in electrical
engineering educators and stakeholders gain insights into its strengths,
weaknesses, and potential areas for enhancement.

Data Gathering
- Perform observations in the classroom to witness how students engage with the
trainer board during practical exercises.

PROCESS

Concept design
Development
Test
Tools and Equipment
Evaluation

OUTPUT

- The primary output could be the development and fabrication of a physical

trainer board prototype designed specifically for the ELE 030 course.

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1.8 Research Paradigm

The proposed research paradigm aligns with the objectives of assessing the

effectiveness of the trainer board for ELE 030 - Instrumentation and Control

Engineering in enhancing student learning outcomes in relay control principles. It

employs an objective measurement approach centered around the t-test, a

statistical tool aimed at comparing mean scores between two groups: students

who had access to the trainer board and those who did not. This methodology

allows researchers to determine whether observed differences in student

performance are statistically significant, providing empirical evidence to support

conclusions regarding the efficacy of the trainer board in improving relay control

education. By utilizing the t-test, researchers can objectively evaluate the impact

of the intervention on student learning outcomes, offering valuable insights into

the effectiveness of the trainer board in enhancing student comprehension and

application of relay control principles. Overall, the research paradigm provides a

rigorous and systematic approach to investigating the influence of the trainer

board on student learning outcomes, facilitating evidence-based decision-making

and informing future advancements in relay control education.

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1.9 Definition of Terms

ATS - An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is an electrical device designed to

seamlessly transfer power supply from the primary source to a backup source in

the event of a power outage. Its function is to ensure continuous electricity to

essential systems without interruption.

Circuit breaker - is an electrical safety device designed to protect an electrical

circuit from damage caused by overcurrent.

Control Relays - are magnetic devices that are used to remotely switch loads.

Electromagnetic - relating to the interrelation of electric currents or fields and

magnetic fields.

Electromechanical - is an electrically operated mechanical device.

Load - is any component of a circuit that consumes power or energy.

Relays - are electrically operated switches that open and close the circuits by

receiving electrical signals from outside sources.

Switch - is any device used to interrupt the flow of electrons in a circuit.

Trainer board - is a versatile and affordable device that one can use in various

settings.

Transient - Whenever the electrical power supplied to a circuit change

momentarily over a short duration of time.

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GROUP MEMBERS:

Ace York S. Alejo

Carl S. Galarrita

Jann Brynan P. Gonzaga

Jil Angelo B. Mangayan

Neil Chlouie B. Apugan

Rolando R. Beron Jr.

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