Volume 26, No. 4 (2020)
Articles
ASSESSMENT OF EFFICIENCY OF COMPOST PREPARED FROM ANIMAL WASTE IN THE REDUCTION OF TOTAL PETROLEUM HYDROCARBON IN CRUDE OIL IMPACTED SOIL
ADEBOLA ADEKUNLE(1*), IHEOMA ADEKUNLE(2), SUHAIB AROGUNDADE(3)
The aim of this study was to investigate the potentials of composted animal waste in biodegradation of hydrocarbon in a cost-effective, efficient, and environmental-friendly manner. The contaminated soil sample was collected from Ojoo area in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. Two different types of compost – sheep-waste-sawdust (SPW-SD) and goat-waste-sawdust (GTW-SD) were applied to a soil at a rate (0 g, 750 g, 450 g). The result depicted that the contaminated soil experienced an enhanced natural bioremediation due to the applied bioremediation agents and the contaminated soil treated with SPW-SD gave best results. Samples remediated with SPW-SD and GTW-SD showed a Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) removal efficiency of 55.4% and 7.9% respectively. Analysis showed that oil type, compost rate and period of application influenced the bioremediation process. From the results, composted organic waste application is a good and efficient way of remediating hydrocarbon impacted soil.
THE IMPACT OF THE UNIFIED POWER FLOW CONTROLLER ON MAXIMIZATION OF LOADABILITY OF ELECTRIC POWER GRID
SUNDAY ADETONA(1*), RAIFU SALAWU(2), FRANK OKAFOR(3), JOSEPH ADEYEMI(1)
The building of additional transmission network to meet the demand of the ever-increasing load is expensive, and time consuming. An alternative to constructing new lines is the incorporation of the Flexible Alternating Current Transmission System (FACTS); in which a Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) is a member of the ménage, which can be modelled as a combination of Static Var Compensator and Thyristor Control Series Compensator. This study determines the optimal location of the UPFC by randomly adding loads to the existing transmission network until the Fast Voltage Stability Index of one of the lines is at a critical point. This is the vital line in which UPFC components are added. The sizing of the components of the UPFC is determined using Artificial Bee Colony algorithm. The IEEE 30-bus network is exploited as the test bed. The results obtained reveal that the optimal positioning and sizing of the UPFC for the purpose of maximizing loadability of the grid when load angles are assumed to be negligible are the same as when the load angles are considered. The loadability of the test bed when UPFC is not injected in the grid is 440.376 MW, whereas, it is 837.915 MW when the UPFC is optimally located and sized; and this represents 90.27 %. The sizes of the shunt and series components of the UPFC that assist in realizing this maximization are -0.2780 pu and 0.1000 pu respectively.
WELCOMING THE SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY IN GHANA: CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS – A CASE STUDY
GIDEON ADOM-BAMFI(1*), DANIEL OPOKU(1), BENJAMIN KOMMEY(2)
The Semiconductor Industry is one industry that has been driving technological innovations for decades since its birth in the USA. Semiconductors form the building blocks of a wide array of consumer, medical and industrial electronics. The growth of many economies in the world can be attributed to the growth in the semiconductor industry in such countries. The global semiconductor industry consists of companies in the USA, South Korea, Taiwan, China, and the European Union. However, the semiconductor industry has no presence in the African region, in Ghana to be specific. This work investigates some challenges associated with the establishment of the semiconductor industry in Ghana, including challenges from basic research and development to manufacturing and marketing. The paper also highlights some recommendations which are key in laying the foundation for the entry of the industry in Ghana, including the provision of tax incentives, training of personnel, etc.
EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL INVESTIGATIONS ON THE STABILITY OF CYLINDRICAL SHELLS
ATTILA BAKSA(1), DAVID GONCZI(1), LASZLA PETER KISS(1*), PETER ZOLTAN KOVACS(2), ZSOLT LUKACS(2)
The stability of thin-walled cylindrical shells under axial pressure is investigated. The results of both experiments and numerical simulations are presented. An appropriate finite element model is introduced that accounts not only for geometric imperfections but also for non-linearities. It is found that small geometrical imperfections within a given tolerance range have considerable negative effect on the buckling load compared to perfect geometry. Various post buckling shell shapes are possible, which depend on these imperfections. The experiments and simulations show a very good correlation.
EVALUATION OF GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FROM SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN STATE CAPITALS OF NORTH EASTERN NIGERIA
MSHELIA RICHARD BALTHI(1*)
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to solid waste management (SWM) techniques being practiced in the North eastern region of Nigeria are unaccounted for as such these emissions cannot be monitored or controlled. This research estimated GHG emissions into the atmosphere from the current SWM technique practiced in the region, GHG emissions from two different waste management techniques – open burning and incineration was also simulated. The research found that incineration with electricity recovery is the most suitable SWM process therefore suggested that the authorities and other stakeholders in the region should give it serious consideration.
APPLICATION OF LEXICOGRAPHIC METHODS IN FINDING NEW SOLUTIONS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SWITCH FAUCETS
VLAD ANDREI CIUBOTARIU(1), IONEL OLARU(1*), CRINA MARIA RADU(1), COSMIN GRIGORAS(1)
Methods and techniques to stimulate creativity are indispensable in the process of obtaining more reliable and competitive products. For the elaboration and efficient use of logical-deductive methods and techniques in creativity, it is necessary to know a minimum of combinatorics, which include arrangements, combinations, permutations, graphs and finite networks. From the multitude of methods of orderly enumeration of all ensembles, without omissions or repetitions, the lexicographic method is recommended, according to which, the assemblies are ordered in ascending order according to the sum of the component elements index. The main purpose of this paper is to apply the lexicographic method to obtain a more efficient flow faucet body in terms of working fluid behavior. Thus, the pressure, flow, velocity variation and degree of fluid vorticity have better values for the faucet body obtained by applying the lexicographic method. Therefore, by applying the flow simulation method, it was possible to characterize the behavior of the working fluid.
REMOTELY CONTROLLED CAR SPEED GOVERNOR
ALONGE OLUWASANMI IYIOLA(1*), ABIOLA OLURANTI ADETUNJI(1), OKEDIJI ADEBUNMI PETER(1), ALABI ISMAILA OLANREWAJU(1)
This study modifies a car speed limiting device with a view to avoiding car over speeding. The speed limiter was modified by incorporating a carrier chip to coordinate the activities of the speed limiter. When the car speed exceeded the designed speed limit, the speed governor came into action and restricted the car from going beyond the pre-set speed by actuating the relay. Warning signal in the form of alarm was activated, and the receiver sent a message to the owner. The study concluded that the modified speed governor design is better, safer and remotely controlled compared to the existing design.
EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF THE SOLID PARTICLES BEHAVIOR IN A VERTICAL AIR FLOW BY USING IMAGING ANALYSIS
EMILIAN-FLORIN MOSNEGUTU(1), NARCIS BARSAN(1), ALEXANDRA-DANA CHITIMUS(1), CLAUDIA TOMOZEI(1*), MIHAIL RISTEA(2)
To analyse the behavior of a solid particle in a vertical ascending air flow a series of studies have been carried out, both theoretical and experimental. This article presents a new method of imaging analysis of the behavior of a solid particle, in order to extend this study through experimental applications. The working algorithm implies the analysis of images in different positions of the solid particle in the vertical ascending air flow, analysis in relation to a reference image. By using the mathematical apparatus, i.e. Mathcad software, the movement of the solid particle in the air flow has been emphasized.
ANALYSIS OF MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATION PATH LOSS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES
ALEXANDER OKANDEJI(1*), FRANK ONAIFO(2), AYODEJI OKUBANJO(2), MATHEW OLAJIDE(2), HEZEKIAH FASANYA(3)
In this work, a cheaper alternative method of determining path loss using Network cell info lite software is proposed. Hata-Okumura model is used in the determination of path loss and signal strength of mobile communication devices within Ibogun and Ifo, a suburban community in Ogun state, Nigeria. Additionally, this paper is also aimed at determining the path loss under transmission line to ensure proper network planning in areas covered by transmission lines. Result obtained shows that areas with pylons have greater path loss compared to areas with no pylons. It is recommended that the power levels of base station operating in this area should be increased.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF ETHERNET TRANSMISSION USING M-ARY PULSE AMPLITUDE MODULATION TECHNIQUES
APENA WALIU OLALEKAN(1), OLASUNKANMI OMOWUMI GRACE(2*), SALAKO ANUOLUWAPO(3)
Low installation costs and high data rates reaching up to 10 Gbps, characterized Ethernet as the local area network (LAN) technology of choice to satisfy the increasing need for high-speed data transmission in packet-based networks. As demand for high speeds in data has increased, copper Ethernet has been integrated to handle these higher speeds. The IEEE 802.3ae* 2002 (10 Gigabit Ethernet) standard is based on data transmission over optical fibre only and in full-duplex mode. This study considered performance evaluation of Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM) and multilevel (PAM-16) technology in comparison with other PAM versions was carried out to investigate copper Ethernet with respect to higher speed characteristic and error performance. The evaluation was carried out in MATLAB R2017b simulation environment; this provides calculated bit error rates (BER) of the considered modulation schemes under different channel conditions. The results show that PAM-16 has a BER of 〖10〗^(-12).which is significantly lower than that of PAM-2 and PAM-4. Additionally, Hamming code were used to detect and correct errors that are inherent in the design and the efficiency of each level of PAM used was analyzed.
FUZZY LOGIC APPROACH TO ENERGY PLANNING IN NIGERIA
ADE-IKUESAN OLANIKE OLUFISAYO(1), ATILOLA MORUFDEEN OLATUNBOSUN(1), OYEDEJI AJIBOLA OLUWAFEMI(2*), ADEYEMI HEZEKIAH OLUWOLE(3)
Energy planning is an important tool for power system utility company and consumer’s profitability and satisfaction respectively. This paper is a study of energy planning (forecasting) in Ogun state of Nigeria using Fuzzy Logic model. Population and gross domestic product (GDP) are used as the independent variables to forecast load demand based on the previous load demand. After arranging the variables into 5 membership functions and the 19 rules were created, the fuzzy logic model forecast the annual load demand for the next 10 years with a percentage error margin 0.95 % to 21.79 % which results to a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 8.34 %. The result of the forecast shows that within the next 10 years, 2019 to 2028, an average power load of 1985.66 MWH will be required.
OPTIMUM PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BIODIESEL FROM MICROCYSTIS AERUGINOSA ALGAE
BABATOPE OLUFEMI(1*), SALEEM SULAIMON(1), ADEWALE ARIKAWE(1)
This work examined the optimum production and characterization of biodiesel from Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa). Optimization with Minitab software was used to design the experiment using Central Composite Design (CCD). The found optimum values of the solvent to biomass ratio, extraction temperature and time were 6.5:1, 60 oC and 144 minutes respectively. Validation of the optimum conditions for the lipids extracted was done to produce biodiesel. The average yield of the algal oil was found to be 26.7 %. The extracted algal oil was subjected to chemical transesterification using ethanolic-NaOH as catalyst and the biodiesel yield was 89.76 %. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) carried out on the produced biodiesel showed strong intensity of –C=O ester bond. Other characterizations done confirmed commendable suitability with conventional diesel properties.
STABILITY ANALYSIS OF GLOBE VALVE USING CLASSICAL TECHNIQUES
ABORISADE DAVID OLUGBENGA(1), OKELOLA MUNIRU OLAJIDE(1), ADEWUYI PHILIP ADESOLA(2*)
The importance of globe valve in fluid handling and control cannot be overemphasized. It is useful in oil and gas applications. If globe valve is not properly modelled, its primary purpose of regulation of fluid flow may be defeated. In this work, model of globe valve is developed from basic mechanical principles. The resulting model is a second order system whose response to a step input signal gives no overshoot. Further stability analysis with bode plot, Nyquist plot and root locus plot give a stable system indicating that the developed globe valve model is suitable for relevant areas of application.
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE, HUMIDITY AND IRRADIANCE ON SOLAR POWER GENERATION
FRANK ONAIFO(1*), AKPOFURE ALEXANDER OKANDEJI(2), OLAMIDE AJETUNMOBI(1), DAVID BALOGUN(1)
This paper studies the effect of temperature, humidity and irradiance on the power generated by a photovoltaic solar cell. This was achieved using pyranometer for determining the solar radiation, wet and dry thermometer for measuring humidity, and digital multimeter for voltage and current measurement. The result of the study show that power generation increases with increase of solar irradiance. Additionally, changes of humidity level and temperature do not significantly affect solar power generation. Furthermore, it was also observed that high temperatures and higher humidity levels accelerate the corrosion process on the solar cells which reduces the efficiency of the cells.
DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF AN IMPROVED MOTORIZED MAIZE SHELLER/THRESHING MACHINE
ADEWALE SEDARA(1*), EMMANUEL ODEDIRAN(1), SETH MANUWA(1)
One major essential operation in processing maize is shelling of maize. Maize shelling is one of the most important processing operations carried out in maize processing since it’s among the widely consumed grains all over the world. Shelling bring out good quality of maize which not only prolong its useful life, but also increase the net profit farmers make from its mechanization. Component parts such as: frame, hopper, transmission shaft, cylinder with spikes and blower, concave with sieve, power source, pulley and bearings was designed and fabricated. It can be moved to where it’s needed this would encourage farmers to shell their maize grains on the farm.