Detached energy labs for increased accessibility, flexibility and engagement

Mapped principles 

The project is mapped to the following framework principles: 

P5. Available experimental environments

P3. Active student-centred learning 

P6. Vibrant campus 

P7. User-oriented support services 

P10. Continuous competence development in the teaching role 

P12. Broadened recruitment and participation 

Definitions of the principles

Contact

Davide Rolando researcher

drolando@kth.se

Profile

This project is implemented at the School of Industrial Engineering and Management (ITM) within the Future Education programme (project no. 2519-ITM). 

Project context

This project aims to improve accessibility, flexibility and interactivity in student laboratories by creating detached lab spaces capabilities, both in-person and remote. The initiative builds on existing heat transfer and HVAC system courses, expanding practical learning beyond traditional lab hours. The detached labs will allow students to interact with a real system in a highly visible and engaging environment. Students will be able to modify parameters while receiving real-time operation and performance feedback. 

The project is highly scalable and can be replicated in other energy-related courses. It may also be extended with additional test rigs for various engineering applications and serve as demonstration for other remote lab initiatives at KTH. 

Purpose (outcome)

This project aims to:

• Enhance hands-on learning by providing accessible, interactive student labs.
• Increase engagement with a visible and interactive heat pump test rig.
• Improve flexibility in student learning through remote lab capabilities.
• Enable cross-disciplinary collaboration over different KTH departments.

Impact goals:

• Increase in student engagement with lab experiments.
• Reduction in scheduling conflicts for laboratory sessions.
• Higher student performance in heat pump technology and energy system courses.

Project results (output)

• One detached in-person lab space outside the main laboratory, accessible to students at any time.
• Two detached remote labs allowing students to conduct experiments online (using two labs currently available at Granryd’s Lab).
• With interactive controls, real-time data visualisation, interactive digital display with parameter adjustments and instructional videos. 
• An online booking and monitoring system for controlled student access.

Time plan

Start date: 2025-08-01
End date: 2026-07-31

Project documentation 

If you have a KTH ID, you can read the latest project documents when logged in.

• Poster: The project’s first poster (in Swedish) will be available at the ”Storträffen” meetup on 2025-12-01

• Project initiation document: Projektdirektiv_FrU25_2519-ITM_FriståendeEnergilabb_250523 (Swedish)