Heat Transfer Challenge Dataset: Experimental Results from a Challenge-Based Learning Activity in Transport Phenomena (2025)

This dataset contains the experimental results of the Heat Exchanger Challenge, a semester-long project-based learning activity developed in the Transport Phenomena course at Centro Universitário Fanor Wyden (UNIFANOR Wyden), Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil — an active member of the UN Academic Impact (UNAI) network. Five student teams designed, built, and experimentally tested low-cost heat exchanger prototypes. On the final day, 1 kg of water heated to ~99 °C was placed inside each device; temperature was recorded after 30 minutes. Variables included: - Initial temperature Ti (°C) - Final temperature Tf (°C) - Temperature drop ΔT (°C) - Heat transfer rate Q̇ (W), calculated as Q̇ = mcp(Ti−Tf)/t - Experimental efficiency η (%) = ΔT/Ti × 100 Results: efficiencies ranged from 58.9% (Q̇ = 135.6 W) to 87.8% (Q̇ = 201.2 W). SDG alignment: • SDG 4, Target 4.4 — development of technical competencies in thermal engineering through challenge-based learning (~20 students) • SDG 9, Target 9.5 — open experimental dataset for low-cost heat exchanger prototyping • SDG 13, Target 13.3 — use of recycled materials (PET bottles, reused expanded polystyrene) in at least 3 of 5 prototypes Supplementary files: construction and testing photographs; experimental video footage; technical performance report (see related identifier).