Interactive simulations with PhET as a design tool for engineering education: design of an energy integration network

This work describes the use of interactive simulations as learning spaces for digital transformation of engineering education. Students carried out collaborative activities using Matlab-GUI (Graphical User Interface). An interactive simulation was prepared to design an energy integration network that minimizes the use of utilities in a chemical process. Students used the interactive tool to assess the effect of the minimum difference of temperature between the hot and cold streams on the cost of the proposed network and its economic viability. Motivation and academic performance were the variables analyzed in this study. Motivation was measured with the MUSIC model (eMpowerment, Usefulness, Success, Interest, and Caring). Mann-Whitney technique was utilized to measure the differences between the students in the group under study and the control group. Results indicated that the interest of the students in the learning activity and their expectation for usefulness were statistically higher when interactive simulation tools were utilized.