2019 Edition
Abstract
The response of polyethylene-based coconut shell composites in a simulative test carried out on a pin-on-disc machine has been studied. Taguchi experimental plan with the objective of “smaller is better”and the technique of variance were used in the analysis to determine the effect of the applied load (L), sliding distance (S), and motor speed (V) on the coefficient of friction (μ) and wear rate(k) of the composites. The results obtained showed that the effect of L on the μ of the composites was 41.38%, while those of V and S were 9.28% and 4.60%, respectively. Also, the effect of V on k of the composites was 60.14% and those of S and L were 6.38% and 1.95%, respectively. Optimal values of 0.1519 and 2.64 ×10-4mm3N-1m-1 for μ and k, respectively, were obtained at 7N, 400Rev min-1, and 30m. Further, the developed models for μ and k were validated. Hence, it has been suggested that L and V are important parameters in the study of μ and k for polyethylene composite filled with coconut shell nano fillers.Author(s) and Download Link
Steven Odi-Owei, and Sylvanus AlibiJournal of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (JNET), October, 2019 pp1-7 [Online Full Text]
Abstract
The restructuring of electricity system in Nigeria has made the pricing of electricity a challenge. Price forecasting has over time become the centre of intense studies. Considering a market where the Electrical industry is segmented, attempts must be made to evolve a good pricing method. This method however should be economically viable to those participating in all the sectors of the market: generation, transmission and distribution. The aim of this work is to develop an improved transmission pricing method for the Nigerian Network. This is important in order to make the network reliable, fair and protect its operations.This study considered the cost of electricity generation and transmission with the gross annual income of average Nigerian and formulated an electricity pricing model that can be adaptable to the Nigerian power system. This work developed a model for an improved transmission pricing method for the Nigerian Network which was used for forecasting of electricity price for a financial planning period of five years. Within the period considered the best price was projected for five years. The results obtained were validated with that of Transmission Company of Nigeria. They confirmed a very low electricity tariff in the country which is grossly disadvantageous to the transmission company. The developed model will aid both electricity producers and consumers to receive fair share of pricing.Author(s) and Download Link
Bartholomew O. Ogbonna, Christopher O. Ahiakwo, Dikio C. Idoniboyeobu and Sunny OrikeJournal of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (JNET), October, 2019 pp8-18 [Online Full Text]
Abstract
Load Flow Analysis (LFA) represents an important and first step to determining the optimal network states of a power system prior to transient stability analysis (TSA). Existing LFA solutions or soft programs for TSA problems such as Newton-Raphson and Gauss-Seidel techniques have been successful in the solution of a number of power networks; however, when the initial power network states are ill defined or there is high transmission loading, these solutions fail to converge and hence cannot be used as a TSA state variable pre-solver. In this paper, we propose a swarm optimized LFA solution for optimally finding the network states of a power system network which in turn is used for performing transient stability studies on some buses in a section of the Nigerian 132kV power transmission network Port-Harcourt Region considering single phase line to ground faults. The results of simulation show that critical stability limits (critical clearance time) of the system is about 0.4s; thus, circuit breakers should break earlier than this time to secure the interconnected power system.Author(s) and Download Link
Anthony A. Oko, Christopher O. Ahiakwo, Dikio C. Idoniboyeobu and Sunny OrikeJournal of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (JNET), October, 2019 pp19-28 [Online Full Text]
Abstract
This research demonstrate an innovative improvement on Lightning protection to curb the catastrophic effect of Lightning on 132 kV Transmission line which have adverse effect on power companies and also causes a great inconvenience to energy users. Indirect lightning stroke on transmission lines results in back-flashover, a phenomenon which occurs when the lightning induced voltage exceeds the insulation gap thereby flashing the line. The use of overhead sky wire for protection against lightning, though could withstand the stroke, but lacks the capability of quickly damping the lightning over voltage along the line especially for regions with high grounding resistance. Using PSCAD-EMTDC 4.5 to model and simulate the line with improved protection having Line Meta-Oxide surge arrester installed along the line, the lightning performance was found improved and the back-flashover from lightning over voltage reduced to its barest minimum before getting to the substation which reduces line trip out and equipment damage leading to a more reliable and secured network.Author(s) and Download Link
Gabriel Modukpe, Dikio C. Idoniboyeobu, Christopher O. Ahiakwo, and Sepribo L. BraideJournal of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (JNET), October, 2019 pp29-39 [Online Full Text]
Abstract
This paper presents specifications and design of a secure, scalable, available, and manageable hierarchical network for Faculty of Engineering, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The developed Network prototype was designed to include the various services that consist of an enterprise network as a unit. In addition, Artificial Neural Network technique was used to develop a unique encryption key as an additional security for the Faculty database. Furthermore, the block diagram, physical and logical network topology of the Faculty of Engineering, were successfully designed. The specifications from the design was used to configure the network devices, servers and security features. The outcome of the design was estimated to reduced network device load and the time to identify and resolve network issues by a ratio of 1:8. Moreover, the outcome of the design also enhanced rapid connectivity, and the inclusion of new devices did not affect the transfer of packets. Finally. The configuration and specifications used for this study would serve as a prototype that can be replicated and deployed to other Faculties or Universities.Author(s) and Download Link
Joseph D. Enoch, Sunny Orike and Christopher O. AhiakwoJournal of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (JNET), October, 2019 pp40-52 [Online Full Text]
Abstract
Automatic selection and change-over systems have been developed to reduce the risks involved in manual change-over process. While some of the designs switch to any available phase, others switch to the phase with maximum voltage, regardless of the value of the supplied voltage. Other designs which consider the need to avoid both undesirable voltages make the selection range fixed in the code which controls the switching mechanism, thereby not allowing the flexibility in changing the range for switching to meet environmental needs. This work seeks to design an improved microcontroller-based automatic three-phase analyzer and selector with a keypad for setting the switching range for switching. The analysis was achieved by developing a C++ program using the Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and simulating the system with Proteus Professional Application. The system includes the phase sensing unit, the processing unit and the switching unit. Serial monitor results show that voltages from all three phases may not always be equal, so the system selects the best phase, based on the preset range, to ensure adequate power supply at all times. The preset switching range, which is entered with the keypad, is saved to the Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) of the Arduino Nano microcontroller. When no phase supplies voltage within the preset range, the system switches the load to alternative power supply, if there is any. This system will prevent undesirable voltage supplies and save cost whenever there is need to change the switching range to meet environmental requirement.Author(s) and Download Limk
Emmanuel P. Akpan, Sunny Orike, Folorunsho M. OdeyemiJournal of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (JNET), December, 2019 pp53-61 [Online Full Text]
Abstract
In this work, a population-based energy management system was developed to control the switching of electrical appliances in a building based on the number of persons available in the building in order to reduce the amount and cost of energy consumed. This was achieved through the use of an Arduino Nano controller board, RCWL-0516 microwave motion sensor, two ultrasonic distance sensors, a switching relay, 16x2 LCD and a 12V DC power supply. The Microwave motion sensor was used in determining human motion and as such initiated counting by the ultrasonic sensors. The ultrasonic sensors were placed at the exit and entry points. Counting by the ultrasonic sensor was determined by the direction of passage. The resultant population present was displayed on the LCD. When tested, the system was observed to switch off all electrical appliances when population count was at zero, signifying no one present in the building, and appliances turned on when a human entry was detected. Thus, this system was able to effectively manage energy, reducing the cost of energy consumption, and also prevents damage to electrical appliances as no appliance was left ON when no one was present.Author(s) and Download Limk
Victor E. Urefe, Sunny Orike, Folorunsho M. OdeyemiJournal of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (JNET), December, 2019 pp61-70 [Online Full Text]
Abstract
This study is focused on the simulation of Chlorella vulgaris (microalgae) pyrolysis plant for the commercial production of biofuel via the use of ASPEN Plus and the techno-economical assessment of the plant capacity. The bubbling fluidized- bed reactor incorporated in the ASPEN Plus was used to pyrolyze microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) under optimal operating conditions to maximize the yield of bio-fuel, bio-char and bio-gas. Simulation results gave optimum yield of 52.40%, 0.18% and 47.45% for bio-fuel; bio-gas and bio-char respectively. The pyrolysis temperatures, inert gas feed rate and particle size were operating parameters that affected the yield of products. An energy balance analysis was carried out to ascertain the energy consumption of the pyrolysis process and the energy efficiency which is an important factor in determining the performance of the pyrolysis process was found to be 74%. The Fixed Capital Investment as well as the production cost of the commercial scale pyrolysis plant was estimated. The microalgae strain (Chlorella vulgaris) was found to be a promising biomass feed stock due to its high yield in bio-fuel. Using the bubbling fluidized bed reactor which is thus suitable for fast pyrolysis process and the commercial production of biofuel. The challenge of high cost of biofuel production can actually be minimised by increasing the plant capacity as well as the right choice of biomass feed stock.Author(s) and Download Limk
Chindah Chinemenum, Ademiluyi, Taiwo F. and Dagde, Kenneth K.Journal of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (JNET), December, 2019 pp71-80 [Online Full Text]
Abstract
Wide application of African breadfruit (Treculia africana) in the food industry is limited by dearth of information on its thermal-strength kinetics when parboiled. The texture parameter behavior of African breadfruit when parboiling was investigated using the fractural force obtained from compression test on the Instron testing machine. Parboiling was done using a thermostat fitted water bath for temperatures ranging from ambient condition through 60oC, 80oC and 100oC, at parboiling times of 10 min, 20 min, 30 min, and 40 min. The fracture forces obtained was imputed into the zero order, first order and second order rate equation models and the curve of best fitted reaction kinetic model was obtained. It was discovered that textural change of African breadfruit parboiling follows second order reaction kinetics model as well as the best regression reliability with a coefficient of determination of 99.540% with a reaction rate constant of 1.416X10-9 min-1, and the pre-exponential factor observed to be 1.36X10-9min-1. This work also revealed that the reaction rate of African breadfruit parboiling is dependent on temperature. The activation energy was determined to be117.851 kJ/molAuthor(s) and Download Limk
Ndubuisi NnahhWome, Falilat Taiwo Ademiluyi, Barine David Kiin-KabariJournal of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (JNET), December, 2019 pp81-90 [Online Full Text]
Abstract
This study explores the practicality of power generation from road speed bumps by harvesting the energy of moving vehicles using a mechanical speed bump design with rack-and-pinion mechanism and spring system. It includes design analysis and prototype fabrication. The model design using Autodesk Inventor helps to validate the practicality of the system design in addition to the prototype fabrication. An experimental test and a theoretical energy assessment were carried out when an average weight of 392N was applied on the fabricated prototype. In this analysis, the mechanical input power, electrical output power and energy conversion efficiency were evaluated as 203.84W, 1.112W and 0.6%, respectively. A MATLAB program code consistent with this performance was obtained for evaluating the actual performance of the system, from which an average weight of 10.91kN acting on the tyres of vehicles generate 32.52W of power. The proposed system design gives new impulse to research on renewable power systems.Author(s) and Download Limk
Baribuma Gbaarabe, Howells I. Hart and Barinyima NkoiJournal of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (JNET), December, 2019 pp91-100 [Online Full Text]
Abstract
This research was carried out to review the quality control process adopted by belt drive manufacturing industries in Nigeria, as well as identify the various challenges militating against the implementation of quality control practice in these firms. Quantitative survey was carried out using descriptive, statistical and graphical tools which were employed from structured survey questionnaires collected from sampled motor belt drive manufacturing firms in Nigeria. Regression method was used to ascertain the correlation between quantitative quality control practices and supply chain performance of the firms. Broad based results revealed that there exists a correlation between the supply chain performance, six sigma practices and the international organization for standardization benchmark. Findings show that One (1) unit change in continuous quality improvement results to 0.238 units increase in supply chain performance. Also, one (1) unit change in six sigma practices, result to 0.221 units increase in supply chain performance. A unit change in lean production /operation results in 0.144 units increase in supply chain performance. One (1) unit change in international organization for standardization, results to 0.175 units raise in supply chain performance. Manufacturing firms in Nigeria should adopt the quantitative quality control method in their manufacturing process to foster effective quality management in their manufacturing operations, as the result of the findings indicate significant impact of quality control on the supply chain performance of motor belt drive manufacturing industries.Author(s) and Download Limk
Chukwuka U. Ihuoma, Macaulay T. Lilly, and Rex K. C. AmadiJournal of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (JNET), December, 2019 pp101-107 [Online Full Text]
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to use statistical process control technique to reduce non-conformance in the production process of crossovers. In the machine shop of the case study company, there has been issues of large number of non-conforming crossovers after carrying out magnetic particle tests at the final inspection stage. This resulted in waste of resources associated with increased scrap production, reworking of non-conforming product and waste of time. As a way of improving quality of crossovers produced, this research adopted the use of P-Chart which is a Statistical Process Control technique for analysing inconsistencies with machined crossovers through a period of 5years. Results from the five consecutive years (2014 - 2018) show that 7 points out of 12 points fell out of control limits in 2014, 9 points out of 13 points fell out of control limits in 2015, 6 points out of 11 points fell out of the control limits in 2016, 7 points out of 14 points fell out of the control limits in 2017 and 4 points out of 14 points fell out of the control limits in 2018. These results show that the process was a faulty one and there was need to improve on it in order to reduce the number of non-conformities to the barest minimum. This study reveals that materials from the supplier needed to be inspected to ensure there were no hidden flaws (cracks). This is capable of reducing defective products thereby making the crossovers conform to customer specification.Author(s) and Download Limk
Shomotun T. Adewale, Macaulay T. Lilly, Morrison V. NdorJournal of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (JNET), December, 2019 pp108-117 [Online Full Text]
Abstract
Proper machine maintenance is fundamental towards maximizing profit and reducing the cost of production in a brewery boiler operation. In this study, cost reduction in a brewery operation using reliability centred maintenance (RCM) was analysed for a boiler. A planned cost-effective maintenance management structure according to RCM was developed for this study. The reliability method was employed to analyse the data collected from the maintenance log book of a brewery boiler operation located in Oyo, Akwa-Ibom state of Nigeria, for a period of two year. Results obtained indicate that the boiler perform better when RCM was utilized as the maintenance method when compared to corrective maintenance (CM) which is currently used by the brewery is more cost effectives. The cost analysis carried out indicate that the cost of labour decrease from ₦103,320,000/year to ₦77,280,000/year which is approximately 25.2% decrease in the cost of labour. The result also indicates a 23.6% saving in total downtime cost compared to the current maintenance practice carried out on the boiler. The system reliability increases with decreasing labour cost when RCM was applied. Therefore, RCM should be adopted for the maintenance of the boiler in the brewery plant.Author(s) and Download Limk
Justin O. Adoh, Barinyima Nkoi, and Anthony K. Le-olJournal of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (JNET), December, 2019 pp118-125 [Online Full Text]
