DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

This project evaluates the techno-economic impact of energy losses and unserved energy on a typical 11kV distribution feeder, using the GRA feeder as a case study. Data were collected over one month from the GRA 33/11kV injection substation and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), then analyzed and simulated in PSS/E to estimate technical losses and voltage profiles. The study found that active power losses of 277.72 kW (equivalent to 277.72 kWh per hour) significantly contribute to network inefficiencies. When converted to monetary value using current tariff structures, these losses result in substantial financial costs across all customer bands, with Band A alone exceeding ₦1.39 million daily if sustained. Overall, the findings show that even moderate technical losses and outages can lead to significant financial burdens. This underscores the importance of improving network efficiency and reliability to reduce energy losses and minimize the economic impact of unserved energy

This project assessed the feasibility of implementing a 1KVA solar power system as an alternative energy solution for an office experiencing frequent power outages. The study aimed to determine whether such a system could reliably fulfill daily energy requirements while remaining cost-effective long-term compared to conventional power sources. The investigation addressed both energy security—reducing reliance on unstable grid electricity—and environmental sustainability through lower carbon emissions. The research examined how small-scale solar installations could prevent operational disruptions while supporting sustainability goals, and whether savings from eliminated electricity bills and generator fuel costs could justify the initial investment in renewable technology. The methodology employed a three-phase approach beginning with an energy audit to quantify power requirements by documenting all electrical equipment and measuring actual consumption patterns. This was followed by a cost-benefit analysis comparing the solar system's upfront investment against projected long-term savings. Implementation involved installing a complete 1KVA system with strategically positioned photovoltaic panels, appropriate deep-cycle batteries, and calibrated inverters. The system underwent performance monitoring under various conditions, collecting data on power generation, battery cycles, and load management. A maintenance protocol was also established, outlining inspection procedures and troubleshooting guidelines to ensure optimal system performance and longevity.
Findings confirmed the 1KVA solar system effectively met the office's energy needs, providing sufficient power for essential equipment with battery reserves covering low-sunlight periods. Despite initial costs being 2.5 times higher than conventional solutions, financial analysis projected complete return on investment within 3.2 years through eliminated utility bills and fuel expenses. Environmental assessment showed carbon emission reductions of approximately 2.8 tons annually, while the system improved operational continuity by eliminating power-related downtimes. With proper maintenance, components maintained over 90% efficiency after one year of operation. These results demonstrate that appropriately sized solar systems offer a viable, sustainable alternative for small offices, delivering reliable energy security alongside long-term economic and environmental benefits despite higher initial investment requirements

The aim of this project is to carry out a comparative evaluation of foreign and
homebased manufactured hybrid 3.5kva inverter system. Conventional non-hybrid inverter
systems are characterized by their dependency on the grid, low efficiency in solar charging, limited energy management capabilities, and ineffective communication between components. Therefore, this endeavor is designed to integrate hybrid features to overcome these shortcomings. The process entailed comparing a hybrid inverter system to address the limitations of non-hybrid inverters and to do this, we incorporated an alternative power source, i.e. solar energy, to charge the battery. This involved designing an MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) charge controller and seamlessly integrating its circuitry with that of the inverter in the non-hybrid system. Additionally, we established effective communication between the DSPIC30F2010 microcontroller on the inverter and the DSPIC30F2010 microcontroller on the MPPT circuitry using serial communication, which we integrated into the inverter. All communication protocols were outlined in the source code. To ensure organization and tidiness, we housed all these components within a single enclosure. The project successfully achieved its intended objectives by comparing the hybrid features of the homebased and foreign manufactured inverter systems. Through meticulous design and implementation, all identified limitations were effectively addressed, leading to significant improvements in system performance and functionality. Relevant tests such as output voltage and frequency test, load and no load test, as well as power efficiency tests were carried out to compare the performances of the foreign and home based manufactured hybrid inverter systems. The performance of the home based hybrid inverter was 219.8V for output voltage versus 230V for the foreign. Frequency for home based was 50.04Hz versus 50.0Hz for the foreign. Both inverters displayed a comparable sine wave output. Power efficiency for home based was 90.64 percent while for foreign, it was 94.5 percent, these results show that there was no remarkable difference between the output of the home based compared to the foreign inverter. Furthermore, the locally assembled inverter cost far less than the foreign counterpart. Hence, this study proves that cost efficient inverter systems can be manufactured locally

The rising cost of grid electricity and the global push for sustainable energy solutions have heightened interest in renewable-based power systems. This project presents a comprehensive reliability assessment and techno-economic analysis of an islanded (standalone) Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) designed to meet the entire electrical load of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the University of Benin. The study utilized HOMER Pro software to model, simulate, and optimize the system. A detailed load profile of the department was developed and used as the primary input, alongside solar irradiation data for the Benin City location. The system was designed to operate without any grid connection, making reliability the paramount design constraint. The optimization process aimed to find the most cost-effective system configuration that minimizes the Net Present Cost (NPC) while adhering to a strict maximum allowable capacity shortage of 1%. Using HOMER Pro software, an optimal system configuration was determined: a 180 kW solar PV array coupled with a 100 kWh Lead-acid battery bank. The system demonstrates high reliability, meeting 98.98% of the annual load demand while maintaining complete energy independence. Economic analysis shows the system achieves a Levelized Cost of Energy of ₦619.5/kWh, proving it to be a technically feasible and financially viable sustainable energy solution for the department. The study confirms that islanded PV-Battery systems can provide reliable power while offering long-term economic benefits compared to conventional alternati

The use of induction motor in various facets of engineering, manufacturing and the production sector to power various equipment have gained stability and thereby creating huge starting current which in turn contributes to the unbalanced loading of network giving rise to high energy and economic loss. This research work, therefore, seeks to reduce the starting current of the connected single-phase induction motor. A smooth and soft start is employed in a single-phase induction motor to eliminate the surge in current and electromagnetic torque during starting. The surge in current and torque are eliminated using soft starter at the time of starting. The soft starter also eliminates the unwanted effect in electric cables and the distribution network. This project work provides an in-depth description of the sentimental and smooth start to an induction motor. The smooth start of the motor is predicted by the firing angle of the TRIAC circuit. The firing angle is delayed during starting and the delay angle reduces as the motor picks up to speed. This proposed technique provided reduced voltage at the starting and the rated voltage when themotor is up to speed. By using soft starter, the performance and efficiency of the induction motor is improved and it also improves the load torque characteristics. This project consists of 6anti-parallel SCR connected in each series with an induction motor to the main supply, where into each phase. When starting the firing angle is heavily delayed by receiving delayed triggering pulses. The supplied voltage is gradually increased, and the torque also in same manner. By this process the inrush current is drastically reduced, making the motor start smoothly. The induction motor of0.56KW, frequency of 50Hz, maximum voltage 230V, receives little or no surge using the soft starter device. The start up ramp is about 4s to 7s, depending on the power of the induction motor. The firing angle is gradually decreased from 80˚ by interval of 20˚ until 0˚ max of the full half

This study focuses on sustaining the voltage generated by an induction motor, crucial for the efficient and reliable operation of induction generators. The objectives include a literature review to understand voltage collapse factors, developing an experimental MATLAB setup for simulations, data collection on voltage behavior under varying loads, and proposing strategies for sustained voltage. Simulation results show a consistent voltage decrease with increasing load, indicating operational limitations. Current flow increases with load, nearing operational limits at higher loads. Voltage stability challenges are evident, particularly at 300 kW, 600kW, and 2500 kW loads, suggesting a need for improved voltage regulation. Capacitors play a crucial role in stabilizing voltage, with higher values showing more significant stabilization effects. The relationship between capacitors and current flow is nuanced, with higher capacitor values potentially leading to slightly lower current values. Capacitors demonstrate varying effects on each phase, highlighting the complexity of their interaction with the electrical system. The study concludes that proper load management, voltage monitoring, and capacitor selection are essential for stable voltage levels. Recommendations include implementing effective load management, selecting appropriate capacitor values, installing voltage monitoring systems and regulation devices, conducting regular maintenance and inspection, and providing training to operators and maintenance personnel. Continuous research and development efforts are also recommended to enhance induction generator efficiency and reliability in voltage regulation and stability

The investigation of second-life cases for abandoned lithium-ion batteries is a result of the rising demand for energy storage solutions as well as the environmental hazards caused by poorly disposed lithium cells. The objective of this study is to assess dead laptop batteries’ potential as a substitute energy source by examining how well they function as energy storage devices in a renewable energy system. In order to conduct the research, individual cells harvested from dead laptop batteries were gathered and sorted according to their capacity and condition. After that, several battery tests were conducted to evaluate the batteries’ performance characteristics and remaining useful life. After all tests were carried out, the viable cells harvested were used to construct a 10kilowatt-hour, 48V Lithium-ion battery pack. the pack was tested and deemed a suitable energy storage source.

The aim of this project is to carry out a comparative evaluation of foreign and homebased manufactured hybrid 3.5kva inverter system. Conventional non-hybrid inverter systems are characterized by their dependency on the grid, low efficiency in solar charging,limited energy management capabilities, and ineffective communication between components.Therefore, this endeavor is designed to integrate hybrid features to overcome these shortcomings. The process entailed comparing a hybrid inverter system to address the limitations of non-hybrid inverters and to do this, we incorporated an alternative power source, i.e. solar energy, to charge the battery. This involved designing an MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) charge controller and seamlessly integrating its circuitry with that ofthe inverter in the non-hybrid system. Additionally, we established effective communication between the DSPIC30F2010 microcontroller on the inverter and the DSPIC30F2010 microcontroller on the MPPT circuitry using serial communication, which we integrated into the inverter. All communication protocols were outlined in the source code. To ensure organization and tidiness, we housed all these components within a single enclosure. The project successfully achieved its intended objectives by comparing the hybrid features of the homebased and foreign manufactured inverter systems. Through meticulous design and implementation, all identified limitations were effectively addressed, leading to significant improvements in system performance and functionality. Relevant tests such as output voltage and frequency test, load and no load test, as well as power efficiency tests were carried out to compare the performances of the foreign and home based manufactured hybrid inverter systems. The performance of the home based hybrid inverter was 219.8V for output voltage versus 230V for the foreign. Frequency for home based was 50.04Hz versus 50.0Hz for the foreign. Both inverters displayed a comparable sine wave output. Power efficiency for home based was 90.64 percent while for foreign, it was 94.5 percent, these results show that there was no remarkable difference between the output of the home based compared to the foreign inverter. Furthermore, the locally assembled inverter cost far less than the foreign counterpart. Hence, this study proves that cost efficient inverter systems can be manufactured locally.

In this paper, a wireless power transmission (WPT) using resonant magnetic coupling for mobile phone charger is presented. Solar energy was used as the energy source to address the scarcity of non-renewable energy sources and
tackles the constraints of wired charging technology such as lack of universal electrical standard, untidiness and inconvenience of wires and wires' wear and tear. The system includes PV panels and battery, oscillator, transmitting coil and receiving coil and rectifier. Proteus 8.1 was used to simulate before implementing in the hardware. The resonant magnetic coupling resonated at 800 kHz ± 10 kHz. The maximum distance to charge a mobile phone was 4 cm at 3.7 V. All the objectives are achieved within the limited time frame. The significance of the project can help to eradicate the use of wires and the need of power plugs. The future research includes the study of efficiency, coil design, system with multiple loads.

This project aims to develop an innovative voice-activated switching system that enhances home automation by enabling hands-free control of electrical appliances. Utilizing speech recognition technology and the Arduino Uno microcontroller, the system provides users with a seamless and accessible method of operating household devices through voice commands. The project is built around an Arduino Uno interfaced with a Speech Recognition Module Easy VR3 plus, a relay module, and a 5V converter module, all housed within a protective enclosure. The Speech Recognition Module captures and processes voice commands, which are then interpreted by the Arduino Uno. Based on the received command, the Arduino activates the relay module, which switches the connected electrical appliances on or off. The system is powered by a 12V dc battery, regulated to 5V using an L298D motor driver to ensure stable operation. The developed voice-activated switching system successfully demonstrated the capability to recognize and execute voice commands efficiently. The Speech Recognition Module accurately processed user input, and the Arduino Uno effectively translated the recognized commands into control signals for the relay module. The system exhib ited high response accuracy in quiet environments and maintained reliable performance under various conditions. Ultimately, this project achieved its goal of creating an affordable, user-friendly, and accessible voice-controlled home automation solution