Cyber-Physical Laboratory Station for Thermal Fluids Online Experiments

Abstract

This paper presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a cyber-physical laboratory station for thermal fluids online experiments. The system integrates advanced remote-control technologies using a structured methodology to create an accessible and practical learning environment for engineering education. It leverages state-of-the-art hardware, including NI-myRIO, industrial controllers, and relay modules, along with software solutions based on LabVIEW and MQTT. The station enables real-time control and precise data acquisition in a remote setting. A detailed Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID) and a modular control unit form the backbone of the system, ensuring accurate monitoring and regulation of thermal and flow variables. The laboratory station is integrated with the RemoteLabo platform, which utilizes computational notebooks to provide seamless remote access. This integration allows students to perform experiments simulating realistic thermal processes, reinforcing theoretical concepts in heat transfer and fluid dynamics. Extensive experimental evaluations were conducted to verify system performance. Sensor calibration procedures, including controlled thermal baths for RTD sensors and calibrated electronic devices for flow measurements, confirmed data reliability. The performance of various heat exchangers was assessed under controlled conditions, demonstrating effective thermal regulation and the attainment of steady-state operation. The experimental results highlight the system’s capability to support remote experimentation while maintaining high accuracy and reproducibility.This study advances remote laboratory technologies and provides a scalable framework for practical training in thermal fluids engineering. The findings contribute to improving engineering education by enabling realistic, high-fidelity experimentation.