DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING

This study presents the design and fabrication of a Smart Internet of Thing (IoT)-based feul monitoring system for agricultural tractors. The system aims to improve operational efficiency, minimize fuel theft, and enhance real-time decision-making in mechanized farming. It integrates an ultrasonic fuel level sensor, NodeMCU V3 microcontroller, GPS, and GSM modules to provide continuous fuel data and location tracking. Using Blynk and Thing Speak IoT platforms, real-time fuel levels, consumption trends, and geographic positions were displayed through web and mobile interfaces. Calibration and testing revealed that the system achieved high measurement accuracy with an error margin of less than ±5%, Wi-Fi data transmission latency between 6–8 seconds, and SMS alert delay of 7–12 seconds. The prototype demonstrated effective performance under field conditions, withstanding vibration, heat, and moisture without data loss. Results confirm that the developed IoT-based system is affordable, reliable, and user-friendly for small- and medium-scale farmers. It enables efficient monitoring of fuel resources, enhances accountability, and supports preventive maintenance through analytics and alert mechanisms. Overall, the system bridges the technological gap in fuel management for agricultural operations in developing regions and contributes to sustainable mechanization practices.

This report comprehensively overviews my project on the design and fabrication of a solar powered egg incubator. The main goal of this project was to bridge the gap between theoretical engineering principles and their practical application in developing a sustainable, energy-efficient incubation system for poultry farming. The report begins with an introduction that outlines the challenges of conventional incubation systems, such as high energy consumption, environmental impact, and unreliable performance in off-grid areas. It then discusses the objectives and scope of the project, focusing on developing an incubator that integrates solar energy, automated temperature and humidity control, and an egg-turning mechanism to maintain optimal conditions for embryo development.
A significant portion of the report details the hands-on aspects of the project, including material selection, system integration, and prototype fabrication. The work involved incorporating solar panels, battery storage, sensor-driven controls, and mechanical components, which provided valuable insights into the practical challenges of renewable energy applications in agriculture. Moreover, the report addresses the technical challenges encountered—such as managing intermittent sunlight and calibrating sensor systems—and the innovative strategies employed to overcome them. The guidance and mentorship received during this process were instrumental in refining the design and ensuring the system's reliability and efficiency. Finally, the report concludes by summarizing the key outcomes of the project, including the successful maintenance of a stable incubation environment and the potential of this solar-powered solution to reduce operational costs and environmental impact in poultry farming. In essence, this report is a testament to the successful integration of renewable energy technology with advanced engineering design, paving the way for more sustainable agricultural practices.

This study presents the design and fabrication of a Smart Internet of Thing (IoT)-based feul monitoring system for agricultural tractors. The system aims to improve operational efficiency, minimize fuel theft, and enhance real-time decision-making in mechanized farming. It integrates an ultrasonic fuel level sensor, NodeMCUV3 microcontroller, GPS, and GSM modules to provide continuous fuel data and location tracking. Using Blynk and ThingSpeak IoT platforms, real-time fuel levels, consumption trends, and geographic positions were displayed through web and mobile interfaces. Calibration and testing revealed that the system achieved high measurement accuracy with an error margin of less than ±5%, Wi-Fi data transmission latency between 6–8 seconds, and SMS alert delay of 7–12 seconds. The prototype demonstrated effective performance under field conditions, withstanding vibration, heat, and moisture without data loss. Results confirm that the developed IoT-based system is affordable, reliable, and user-friendly for small- and medium-scale farmers. It enables efficient monitoring of fuel resources, enhances accountability, and supports preventive maintenance through analytics and alert mechanisms. Overall, the system bridges the technological gap in fuel management for agricultural operations in developing regions and contributes to sustainable mechanization practices.

Efficient fuel utilization in mechanized farming is a critical factor influencing both production costs and environmental sustainability. This study investigated the variability of tractor specific volumetric fuel consumption (SVFC) during ridging operations in two contrasting soil textures (loamy sand and clay loam). Field experiments were conducted at ridge heights of 10, 20, and 30 cm, and tractor forward speeds of 4, 6, and 8 km/h. Parameters such as bulk density, cone index, draught force, soil moisture content, fuel consumption rate, and power output were measured and analyzed. Results indicated that SVFC significantly varied with both ridge height and forward speed, showing lower values at higher speeds. In loamy sand soil, SVFC ranged from 0.34 to 0.85 L/kWh, while in clay loam, it varied between 0.27 and 0.66 L/kWh. Statistical analysis using ANOVA confirmed that soil texture, ridge height, and speed had significant effects (p < 0.05) on SVFC. Apairedt-test comparison between the two soil types showed significantly higher fuel consumption in loamy sand than in clay loam under similar operational conditions. These findings suggest that soil texture and ridge geometry play a vital role in determining energy efficiency during mechanized ridging. The study contributes to optimizing tractor operations, reducing fuel
costs, and enhancing sustainable mechanized farming practices in varying soil conditions.

Efficient fuel utilization is a major concern in mechanized agriculture, especially during soil tillage operations such as harrowing. Fuel costs account for a significant proportion of farm operation expenses, and optimizing tractor fuel consumption has direct implications on profitability and sustainability. This study investigated the variability of specific volumetric fuel consumption (SVFC) during harrowing in loamy sand and clay loam soils. Field experiments were conducted at varying depths (10 cm, 13 cm, and 16 cm) and speeds (4 km/h, 6 km/h, and 8 km/h). Parameters such as soil bulk density, cone index, draught force, power output, and moisture content were measured to establish their influence on SVFC. Results revealed that soil type, depth of operation, and tractor forward speed significantly affected SVFC, with loamy sand soils exhibiting lower draught resistance but higher fuel consumption variability compared to clay loam soils. Statistical analyses including ANOVA and paired t-tests confirmed that SVFC differences between soil types were significant (p < 0.05). The findings highlight the importance of specific soil management strategies for improving tractor fuel efficiency. This study provides useful insights for farmers, engineers, and policymakers seeking to optimize energy use in agricultural mechanization, reduce production costs, and enhance sustainable food production

Incubation systems are essential tools in modern poultry farming, requiring a stable and consistent thermal environment for successful hatching. One of the major challenges limiting the application and efficacy of conventional electric incubators in remote or rural areas is their high energy consumption and reliance on an unstable power supply. This study is centered on investigating the design, fabrication, and performance of a solar-powered egg incubator as a sustainable and reliable alternative to improve poultry productivity in areas with unreliable electricity access. The equipment used for fabrication includes various thermal and electronic components such as PV solar panels, a charge controller, a DC heating element, and temperature and humidity sensors. The incubator prototype was constructed using insulating materials(wood) to minimize heat loss. The system was tested by monitoring and controlling critical incubation parameters, including temperature regulation using a microcontroller and relative humidity. Performance tests were carried out over a standard 21-day incubation period using a batch of fertile chicken eggs, and the resulting data was analyzed and compared against standard industry hatching rates. From the results obtained in this study and the analysis of the performance tests, the solar- powered incubator successfully maintained the desired temperature range of 37.5⁰C to 38⁰C throughout the testing period, demonstrating high thermal stability. The system attained the requirements for a functional incubator, and the average for commercially available electric incubators. Furthermore, the solar-powered incubator system demonstrated a significant reduction in recurring electricity consumption compared to electric models, confirming its viability as an efficient and sustainable solution for poultry farmers.

This research explores the processing and storage facilities of agricultural products in Benin City, Nigeria, analyzing the challenges and effectiveness of existing systems, The study investigates the impact of inadequate storage on food security, economic growth, and waste reduction. Using a combination of surveys and observational research, data was collected from key stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including farmer, storage facility managers and consumers. The findings reveal significant gaps in infrastructure, leading to high post- harvest losses. The study highlights the need for improved preservation technologies and government intervention. Recommendations are made for sustainable storage solutions that can enhance productivity and reduce spoilage.

Companies must carry out various businesses, one of which is by supervising each production process in order to produce quality products. Quality control is required within a company to minimize operational costs in products. Good quality control will assist in the fluency of the production process, so that the production activity will reach its target. Companies will find means to implement a quality control system that is capable and reliable. One of the methods is using Statistical Process Control (SPC). The case studied in this project was the bottled palm wine product in NIFOR palm wine bottling unit. This research is centered on the quality of nifor bottled palm wine due to breakages during pasteurization. The SPC used is the Control chart (p chart). Based on the analysis of control chart, it is indicated that the process is in control. This can be seen in the control charts where there is the absence of outliers. In the month of January, February, March and April, there are zero out of bounds. Thus the Enterprise can take to maintain and monitor current processes by regular quality checks and statistical monitoring to ensure that the process remains in control.