- Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, P.M.B 1038, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Epileptic supply of electrical power poses serious problem in the realization of improved health care delivery system in most third world countries. To address this problem most of the medical centers in these countries have resorted to... more
Epileptic supply of electrical power poses serious problem in the realization of improved health care delivery system in most third world countries. To address this problem most of the medical centers in these countries have resorted to the use of emergency power supplies, which are now used as almost normal power supply in Nigeria. Due to enormous cost arising from this overuse, incessant and often delayed manual switching between presumed emergency and normal power supplies, medical centers in these countries have not been able to respond to emergence needs of patients in critical conditions. In this work therefore, a simplified load management scheme is developed for application in medical centers. It classified hospital loads based on functionality and locations to provide alternate load prioritization schemes. Using this system, automatic adding and shedding of loads as well as changing over of power source were achieved. A Matlab-based a Human Machine Interface (HMI) with associated program was provided for the simulation of the work. Federal Medical Center Owerri, Nigeria was used as test case, with reduced change over time and optimal system loading based on available capacity.
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This study involves modeling of the transformer core for flux pattern analysis of variant core materials which include metglass, ferrite, soft iron, silicon steel and solid iron under different frequencies and time intervals. The analysis... more
This study involves modeling of the transformer core for flux pattern analysis of variant core materials which include metglass, ferrite, soft iron, silicon steel and solid iron under different frequencies and time intervals. The analysis techniques deployed were 2D Finite Element Method (FEM) using Comsol Multiphysics software. FEM was used to determine the various flux pattern of the candidate transformer core materials, while MATLAB was used to simulate the distances between the lines of flux for the respective candidate core materials. The result from the flux pattern mapping shows that the lines of flux in metglass core material are more compact than in the rest candidate materials followed by silicon steel, ferrite core, soft iron and solid iron respectively. The flux pattern mapping was successfully deployed in the selection of a better core material with stronger magnetic field and lower losses. Among the samples considered, metglass gave the least core loss of 0
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The requirement to create a safer, non-flammable, and ecologically friendly transformer coolant to replace the petroleum-based oil currently used as transformer oil is the aim of this study. To identify a viable and sustainable vegetable... more
The requirement to create a safer, non-flammable, and ecologically friendly transformer coolant to replace the petroleum-based oil currently used as transformer oil is the aim of this study. To identify a viable and sustainable vegetable oil substitute for transformer oil, electrical and chemical experiments were conducted on samples of melon, jatropha, coconut, and palm kernel oil (PKO) with the aid of mechanical and solvent method. The insulation breakdown voltage test results of the vegetable oil samples without nanoparticle addition were Jatropha oil 21 kV, Coconut oil 18 kV, Melon seed oil 15 kV and PKO 25 kV, while with the introduction of nanoparticles, the results became 25 kV, 19 kV, 15 kV and 35 kV respectively. Results obtained from the research show that PKO can suitably serve as coolant in a distribution transformer rated 11 kV/415 V which can serve as a good substitute for mineral oil. The following technical data from the research will help transformer designers make important decisions about the use of biodegradable transformer coolant.
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To shift from the overdependence on petroleum/mineral oil for the insulation of transformer core, this work sought to suggest vegetable oil as an alternative. To validate the authenticity of the vegetable oil, tests were done to determine... more
To shift from the overdependence on petroleum/mineral oil for the insulation of transformer core, this work sought to suggest vegetable oil as an alternative. To validate the authenticity of the vegetable oil, tests were done to determine the Free Fatty Acid (FFA), acid value and the interfacial tension, which were used to compare the standard value and suggest the best performing vegetable oil suitable for transformer cores. The results obtained for Jatropha, coconut oil, Melon seed and Palm Kerner Oil (PKO) were 3.983 MgKOH, 0.2805 MgKOH, 1.5145 MgKOH and 9.8735MgKOH for FFA respectively, 7.966, 0.561, 3.029 and 19.747 for acid values respectively, and 40dynes/cm, 48dynes/cm, 43dynes/cm, and 45dynes/cm for an interfacial tension respectively. Though the values deviate slightly from the standard values (Nil for FFA, 0.597 for acid value and 48dynes/cm i.e. 2dynes/cm less than the standard value for Interfacial tension), it can be clearly seen that coconut oil possesses properties close to the accepted standard value, and can be recommended for transformer oil alternative.
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This paper compares the cellular mobile network signals and transmission properties of two mobile service networks. The background theories for the propagation of cellular mobile signals were reviewed. A mobile signal analyzer capable of... more
This paper compares the cellular mobile network signals and transmission properties of two mobile service networks. The background theories for the propagation of cellular mobile signals were reviewed. A mobile signal analyzer capable of measuring power density was used to measure the received signal power density at varied distances from a base station transmitter. The received signal power density was measured in two scenarios: highly obstructed and less obstructed areas. Based on the results, it was concluded that the network that uses higher EIRP value of 64.5dBm with lower antenna gain of 17.5dB covered more distance up to 3000m from the BS transmitter before fading below-100dB compared to the network that uses lower EIRP of 64.00dBm and higher gain of 18dB, which faded faster below-100dBm from distance of 2250m. Hence, higher EIRP value was concluded to support the transmitted signal to cover more distance with higher strength than higher antenna gain.
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Nigeria very recently experienced a restructuring in her power system setup. This was done with the intention of involving private investors in the generation and distribution expansion plans in tandem with the country's millennium... more
Nigeria very recently experienced a restructuring in her power system setup. This was done with the intention of involving private investors in the generation and distribution expansion plans in tandem with the country's millennium development goals. A major focus of the current energy debate is how to meet the future demand for electricity while meeting up with the high operational efficiency required in a deregulated power industry. Energy conservation and pollution minimization are central to such desired optimal operation in this new power structure. Problem arises when these generating stations are situated in unfavourable locations leading to high losses. Building cogeneration plants is a very efficient way of achieving large generation capacity, while reducing energy wastage and environmental pollution. This work assesses the risks involved in locating and sizing of cogenerating plants using Monte Carlo technique applied in MATLAB simulation environment. Results obtained are used to determine the benefits accruing to the utility companies when these cogeneration plants are connected to the grid. This is because it forms a major point of consideration in the planning of the generation system, particularly in deregulated systems where profit maximization is a key to surviving the competition
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This paper discusses the role of engineering technology in Security and National Development. For the past decades, Nigeria has witnessed an increase in security challenges like kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, Boko-Haram insurgency,... more
This paper discusses the role of engineering technology in Security and National Development. For the past decades, Nigeria has witnessed an increase in security challenges like kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, Boko-Haram insurgency, etc. Because of these issues, the citizens and
foreign investors travel to other countries to invest since their lives and properties are threatened and this factor impinges the nations economic growth. On this note, this paper advocates the need for engineering technology which applies scientific knowledge to solve problems.
Engineering technologies solve the following problems by researching, designing, and developing improved technologies like Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) monitors, tracking systems, burglar alarm systems, sophisticated arms, etc and applying them to check security issues in the country. Engineers also educate the users on the applications. This work discusses the role of engineering team, causes of Security and National Development challenges and sectors that contribute to national development and how engineering technology contribute to the solution of the problems. The paper concludes that adequate security promotes national development and then recommends proper funding for the sector to research, design and develop more technologies for national economic growth.
foreign investors travel to other countries to invest since their lives and properties are threatened and this factor impinges the nations economic growth. On this note, this paper advocates the need for engineering technology which applies scientific knowledge to solve problems.
Engineering technologies solve the following problems by researching, designing, and developing improved technologies like Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) monitors, tracking systems, burglar alarm systems, sophisticated arms, etc and applying them to check security issues in the country. Engineers also educate the users on the applications. This work discusses the role of engineering team, causes of Security and National Development challenges and sectors that contribute to national development and how engineering technology contribute to the solution of the problems. The paper concludes that adequate security promotes national development and then recommends proper funding for the sector to research, design and develop more technologies for national economic growth.
Research Interests:
Electrical power generation has been a vital factor in the development of various sectors of the economy such as industry, agriculture, health, education, tourism etc. Nigeria like most developing countries lags behind in access, quality... more
Electrical power generation has been a vital factor in the development of various sectors of the economy such as industry, agriculture, health, education, tourism etc. Nigeria like most developing countries lags behind in access, quality and availability of power supply. Also, due to lack of system planning and funding, there are incessant power interruptions and fluctuations in Nigeria. Because of this epileptic power supply, there is need to embark on personal electricity generation via the development of an engine that functions with little or no fuel. Moreover, environmental pollution has been the major challenge in the use of generators with fossil fuels. Presently, increase in energy demands, material sustainability and environmental friendliness have prompted researchers to look for alternatives in electricity generation. Self-powered engine is a device that generates electricity without any form of fuel (petrol or diesel). Instead of internal combustion engine, it has a DC motor which is powered by a 12 volt 75 Amps motor battery and recharges itself while operation. The self-powered engine has five major units: the power supply unit, conversion unit, control unit, charging unit and output unit. The engine is affordable, convenient and efficient. Also, it is pollution-free, eco-friendly and has a low maintenance cost as well.