DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING,

This project focuses on the design and fabrication of a hybrid (solar–electric) dryer for agricultural materials. The aim is to develop a low-cost and efficient drying system that utilizes both solar and electrical energy to ensure continuous operation under varying weather conditions. The dryer was designed with major components, including a solar collector, drying chamber, heating element, and forced draft fan powered by both photovoltaic and electrical sources. Locally available materials such as sheet metal, glass, insulation, and mild steel were used in the fabrication process to promote affordability and sustainability. Performance tests were carried out using cassava chips as the sample material, and relevant parameters such as temperature variation, drying time, and moisture reduction were recorded. Results showed that the hybrid dryer achieved faster and more uniform drying compared to traditional open-sun drying. The system proved reliable, environmentally friendly, and capable of maintaining operation during periods of low sunlight. This innovation demonstrates a practical approach to reducing post-harvest losses and improving the preservation of agricultural produce in regions with inconsistent power supply.

This project focuses on the development of a 5kVA, 48V hybrid solar inverter system aimed at providing a reliable and sustainable energy solution for domestic and small-scale applications. The system integrates solar photovoltaic (PV) energy with utility grid supply to ensure an uninterrupted power source, with solar energy serving as the primary supply and the grid as backup. A hybrid charging approach was adopted to maintain adequate battery capacity during periods of low solar irradiation. The inverter was designed to deliver a stable output suitable for powering common household and office appliances, while incorporating essential protection features to enhance system safety, efficiency, and reliability. Performance evaluation showed that the inverter provided consistent output with smooth changeover between power sources and improved energy efficiency. The project demonstrates a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to fuel-powered backup systems, reducing dependence on the national grid and promoting cleaner energy usage.

The quality of Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding depends significantly on the appropriate selection of process parameters such as welding current, voltage, and welding speed. Improper parameter combinations often lead to defects in weld bead geometry, reduced penetration, and an enlarged heat-affected zone. To achieve a stable arc and improved weld integrity, it becomes necessary to determine the optimal combination of these parameters. Hence, the aim of this work is to develop and apply an Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm to minimize the arc length of TIG welds using MATLAB 2024. The research methodology involved formulating an objective function that relates the arc length to the key process variables—current (A), voltage (V), and welding speed (F). The ACO metaheuristic technique was employed to simulate the welding process, with each ant representing a possible parameter combination. The pheromone updating and heuristic information were used to guide the search towards optimal solutions, and the developed algorithm was implemented and coded in MATLAB 2024. The results of the optimization revealed that the ACO algorithm successfully determined the optimal process parameters of 100 A current, 19.27 V voltage, and 0.145 m/min welding speed, producing a minimum arc length of approximately 0 mm after correction. This indicated a highly concentrated and stable arc. The predicted results were compared with the literature model and found to be in good agreement, confirming the accuracy and robustness of the developed algorithm. The findings demonstrate that ACO is an effective metaheuristic technique for intelligent optimization of TIG welding parameters, capable of enhancing weld quality through efficient parameter selection

This study investigates the simulation of the actual maximum stress in Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) weldment using SIMUFACT Welding software. The research aimed to compare the simulated stress values with experimental results obtained in a controlled environment under varying process parameters such as current, voltage, and gas flow rate. During the design of experiment, twenty experimental runs was generated by the Central composite design and it was used to carry out TIG welding on mild steel plates. A universal testing machine was used to record the actual maximum stress on the welded joint and recorded as experimental values. The data generated from the CCD matrix was then feed into an expert system (SIMUFACT 2024) which was used to carry out TIG welding simulations with its corresponding actual maximum stress recorded alongside as the SIMUFACT result. Results from this study revealed that that increasing welding current reduces the maximum stress due to higher heat input and lower cooling rate, while voltage variation influences arc width and stress distribution. The actual maximum stress values from both datasets were analyzed and compared. The results revealed close agreement between experimental and simulated values, a fitted line plot was used to ascertain the degree of correlation between both results and a correlation coefficient of 0.98 was observed, indicating a very strong positive correlation degree between the experimental result and the SIMUFACT result. A time series plot was then used to compare if both data sets assumed the same trend. The SIMUFACT welding simulation analysis proved to be a reliable tool for simulating and predicting the actual maximum stress in TIG-welded joints thereby aiding in the optimization of welding parameters for an improved structural integrity

Effective waste management remains one of the major challenges of modern urban environments. Traditional waste bins that require manual contact during use pose hygiene risks and contribute to the spread of germs and diseases, especially in public spaces, hospitals, and offices. The COVID- 19 pandemic further exposed the dangers of surface contamination, creating the need for contactless systems that minimize human interaction. To address these issues, this project focuses on the design and construction of a smart waste bin that automates lid operation using sensor-based control. The smart waste bin utilizes an ultrasonic sensor (HC-SR04) to detect the proximity of a user’s hand and an Arduino microcontroller programmed to activate a servo motor for lid movement. The system operates on a simple logic: when an object or hand is detected within a set distance, the microcontroller signals the motor to open the lid, then closes it automatically after a short delay. The circuit was designed and tested using affordable, readily available components to ensure low cost, simplicity, and ease of replication. The constructed system was evaluated for detection accuracy, response speed, and reliability. Results showed that the smart bin performed efficiently, responding consistently to hand motion without physical contact. This innovation promotes hygiene, user convenience, and efficient waste disposal in domestic, institutional, and public settings. The project demonstrates that embedded systems and low-cost automation technologies can significantly improve sanitation and environmental management practices

We see so much advancement in the field of ergonomics in this time. However, there remains certain limitations in the extent of research when it comes to anthropometric data acquisition and its direct impact in the development and production stages of office chairs. This work covers the relevant findings of the design analysis of an anthropometric chair using Computer Aided Modeling software such as SolidWorks for the design of the component parts of the chair and ANSYS for the Finite Element Analysis. The whole analysis of the anthropometric chair reveals the stress-life curve of the chair, its crack life, stress points, areas of the maximum deformation and other significant analytical results. The research eventually reveals structural integrity and shows the life of the chair. This research serves to benefit all works pertaining to design in ergonomics.

The machine is developed to cut different metal materials with high precision using plasma
arc technology controlled by a computer system. The CNC plasma cutter improves cutting
accuracy, reduces manual effort, and increases productivity in metal fabrication industries.
The project includes the design process, material selection, fabrication of the frame,
installation of electronic components, and testing of the machine.

Due to the numerous challenges associated with conventional small-scale palm fruit digesters, such as low processing efficiency, poor hygiene, high material losses, and susceptibility to corrosion, the aim of this project was to design, fabricate, and evaluate an improved vertical palm fruit digester capable of enhancing performance and durability in small- to medium- scale palm oil processing. The methodology adopted involved the design and construction of the digester using stainless steel to improve corrosion resistance and hygiene. Key components such as the digestion drum, shaft, and agitator were carefully fabricated and assembled to ensure efficient mixing and fruit maceration. Fresh palm fruit bunches were sourced, sterilized by boiling, and then processed in controlled batches of varying masses (7 kg, 9 kg, and 10 kg). The performance of the machine was evaluated based on digestion time, throughput capacity, and effectiveness of mesocarp breakdown, as well as the quality of sludge produced. The results obtained showed that the developed digester was capable of processing a total of 36 kg of boiled palm fruit in 1020 seconds, with digestion time increasing proportionally with batch size. The machine achieved an average throughput of approximately 127 kg/hr, demonstrating improved efficiency compared to traditional small-scale digesters. Additionally, the digester produced well-macerated mesocarp and uniform sludge, indicating effective fruit breakdown and improved potential for oil extraction. The use of stainless steel also eliminated corrosion issues observed in mild steel designs, thereby enhancing durability and operational hygiene. The developed vertical palm fruit digester offers a significant improvement in efficiency, reliability, and product quality, making it a viable solution for small-scale palm oil processors seeking increased productivity and reduced operational losses.

This project focuses on the development of a 5kVA, 48V hybrid solar inverter systemaimedat providing a reliable and sustainable energy solution for domestic and small-scaleapplications. The system integrates solar photovoltaic (PV) energy with utility grid supplytoensure an uninterrupted power source, with solar energy serving as the primary supplyandthegrid as backup. A hybrid charging approach was adopted to maintain adequate battery capacity during periods of low solar irradiation. The inverter was designed to deliver a stable output suitable for powering commonhousehold and office appliances, while incorporating essential protection features to enhancesystem safety, efficiency, and reliability. Performance evaluation showed that the inverterprovided consistent output with smooth changeover between power sources and improvedenergy efficiency. The project demonstrates a cost-effective and environmentally friendlyalternative to fuel-powered backup systems, reducing dependence on the national gridandpromoting cleaner energy usage.

The continuous advancement in manufacturing and fabrication industries has led to the
development of numerous welding techniques designed to achieve high quality joints with superior mechanical performance. Among these, Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding, also referred to as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), stands out for its precision, versatility, and ability to produce defect free welds on a variety of metals. The process is particularly effective for mild steel, which is extensively used in structural, automotive, and construction applications due to its good formability, weldability, and moderate strength (Singh & Sharma, 2020). However, achieving optimal weld quality in TIG welding is challenging because the mechanical properties of the welded joint depend on several interacting parameters, including welding current, welding voltage, gas flow rate, and welding speed. These parameters collectively determine the heat input, cooling rate, and solidification behaviour of the weld pool, which in turn influence responses such as hardness, tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, shear strength, and impact energy (Kumar & Yadav, 2018). Selecting the wrong combination of these parameters may result in weld defects, reduced mechanical strength, and inconsistent joint performance.