DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

The unending evolution of technology has led to the innovations in everyday facilities, and restroom infrastructure isn’t left out. This project focuses on the DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN AUTOMATED TOILET for the Mechanical Engineering Department of the University of Benin. This automated toilet integrates automation, hygiene, and efficiency-enhancing features to improve user experience, environmental sustainability, and operational convenience. The system incorporates a limit switch which sends signal to the modified autoflush device whenever a user opens the door, contactless flushing, odor detection, water efficiency mechanisms, enhanced hygiene protocols and a automated lock which incorporates both biometrics and a card reader to enforce access control. The design process involved conceptualization, material selection, fabrication, and performance testing. All ensuring optimal functionality in the university environment. The Testing results indicated that the automated toilet performed efficiently, with responsive automation and reliable hygiene features being implemented to foster a contactless user experience. The implementation of this system demonstrates the potential of automated restroom solutions in the enhancement of sanitation, water wastage, while also providing a modern, user-friendly facility. Some future improvements could include ultrasonic sensors for higher precision, improved water conservation strategies, and also more compact design elements. This project highlights the role of automated technology and modification in modern sanitation and its potential for broader applications in both public and private facilities.

The development of a solar-powered automated peanut coating machine addresses the need for an affordable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly solution for small- and medium-scale food processing enterprises. Traditional peanut coating methods are often labor-intensive, time-consuming, and dependent on unreliable grid electricity or fuel-powered systems, leading to increased production costs and inconsistent product quality. This project focuses on the design, construction, and evaluation of an automated peanut coating machine powered by a solar photovoltaic system. The machine integrates a mixing and coating chamber, an electric drive motor, a control unit, and a solar power supply with battery storage to ensure continuous operation. Automation of the coating process improves coating uniformity, reduces manual effort, enhances production efficiency, and minimizes product contamination. Performance evaluation is carried out based on coating efficiency, production capacity, energy consumption, and overall system reliability. The results are expected to demonstrate that the machine provides consistent coating quality while significantly reducing dependence on conventional energy sources and lowering operating costs. The developed system offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for peanut processing, particularly in rural and off-grid communities where access to reliable electricity is limited. It also promotes the adoption of renewable energy technologies in agro-processing industries, contributing to increased productivity, food quality, and environmental sustainability.

Cement manufacturing is one of the most energy-intensive industrial processes, requiring substantial thermal and electrical energy, particularly during clinkerization and cement grinding. In Nigeria, rising fuel costs, unstable power supply, and inefficient energy utilization have significantly increased production costs and environmental impacts, making effective energy management essential. This study presents a comprehensive energy audit of the BUA Cement Plant, Obu-Okpella, Edo State, with the aim of evaluating plant-wide energy performance, identifying inefficiencies and energy losses, and proposing strategies for improving efficiency and reducing production costs.
A detailed energy audit was conducted across major production stages, including raw material preparation, clinker production, cement grinding, and packaging of the finished product. Data were obtained through on-site equipment inspections, Central Control Room records, and production logs, supported by equipment inventories and design capacity data. Energy performance was evaluated using specific energy consumption (SEC) indicators, as well as mass and heat balance analyses. The results were further benchmarked against international best-practice standards to assess the plant’s relative performance.
The results reveal significant opportunities for energy optimization within the plant. The specific thermal energy consumption of the kiln was approximately 3.5 GJ/t of clinker, slightly above global best practice values of 2.8–3.0 GJ/t, indicating potential for improvement. Heat balance analysis showed total heat input and output of 3333 kJ/kg and 3342 kJ/kg clinker, respectively, with a minimal deviation of 0.27%, confirming data reliability. Kiln and cooler heat losses were estimated at 9 kJ/kg and 8 kJ/kg clinker, respectively, while total heat loss due to radiation and convection was 0.15 MJ/kg. The annual electrical energy intensity was 88.74 kWh/t of cement, within the global benchmark range of 80–120 kWh/t, with cement and raw mills identified as the largest electrical energy consumers. Furthermore, approximately 15.6% of total energy input in the 6000 t/day dry-process kiln system could be recovered through improved waste heat recovery and enhanced clinker cooler efficiency. The study concludes that while the plant operates within acceptable energy performance ranges, significant opportunities exist for further optimization. Implementation of improved kiln insulation, enhanced waste heat recovery systems, optimized process control, and structured energy management practices is recommended to reduce operational costs, improve overall efficiency, and support sustainable cement production.

Most industrial heat exchanger devices, such as condensers, boilers, furnaces, and pipelines
generate a certain amount of heat waste due to temperature gradient in the fluid. Leading to
reduction of the efficiency, increased emissions, and higher fuel consumption.
Thermoelectric generator (TEG) technology offers a sustainable solution by utilising the
waste heat to generate electricity. This project focuses on the performance of the TEG
process using the counter-flow heat exchanger and process control mechanism to monitor the
results evaluated from the different thermal transfer conditions. The primary objective is to
recover electricity from heat waste from industrial pipelines or heat exchanger devices, and to
assess the feasibility and predict the performance of TEG for sustainable power generation.
The experiment components are aluminium heat exchanger tubes, thermal paste, TEG
modules (SP1848-27145), thermal paste, Arudino, Voltage and Current sensor, 16X2 LCD
display, and Multimeter. The setup of the experiment utilised two aluminium heat tubes: the
upper tubes flowed with Hot water, while the lower part circulated with cooling water. The
five series modules were mounted between the surfaces of both heat exchanger tubes using
thermal paste to ensure heat transfer. The reading of the voltage and current values was
displayed using a 16X2 LCD with Arduino Nano or a Multimeter.
Experimental results show that the system successfully converted a measurable fraction of
waste heat into electrical energy. While the power output and efficiency were relatively low
compared to the total heat transfer across the exchanger tubes, the system achieved a
maximum output of 9.28 V and 3.17 W, with an efficiency of 14.5%. Based on the empirical
model, 5000 thermoelectric modules (TEMs) could generate a maximum power output of
3.17 kW when properly installed, which can improve the overall efficiency in the industrial
application.

This study investigates the potential of utilizing the kinetic energy dissipated by vehicles traversing speed breakers as a sustainable source for power generation. With increasing vehicular traffic, a significant amount of energy is wasted as heat and friction when vehicles slow down and pass over these road infrastructure elements. This research explores various electromechanical mechanisms, including rack and pinion, gear and flywheel, and spring coil systems, to convert this otherwise lost kinetic energy into usable electrical energy. The core principle involves capturing the vertical displacement and subsequent kinetic energy of a vehicle as it passes over a specially designed speed breaker mechanism. This mechanical energy is then converted into rotational motion, which drives an electrical generator (dynamo) to produce electricity through electromagnetic induction. The generated electrical power can be stored in batteries or directly used to power nearby infrastructure such as streetlights, traffic signals, and signage, particularly in high-traffic areas like urban roads, parking lots, and toll plazas. This study analyzed the design considerations, efficiency, and potential power output of such systems under varying traffic conditions and vehicle weights. It also explored the practicality and costeffectiveness of implementing these energy-harvesting speed breakers compared to traditional power sources. Furthermore, the environmental benefits of this approach, including the reduction of reliance on conventional energy sources and the minimization of greenhouse gas emissions, were discussed. The findings of this research highlight the potential of speed breakers as a distributed and renewable energy generation technology, As well as proposes the adoption of Hybrid Energy Systems, Design Parameters Optimization And Energy Storage Enhancements to increase the possibility of transforming everyday road infrastructure into energy-producing systems, this technology holds promise for advancing renewable energy development, and contributing to a better future.

The rising global demand for sustainable and renewable energy sources has intensified interest in biofuels as viable alternatives to fossil fuels. This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of biofuels derived from selected Nigerian crops, with the aim of exploring their potential as eco-friendly energy resources. Locally available feedstocks such as palm oil, groundnut oil, and cassava were utilized for biofuel production through transesterification and fermentation processes. Physicochemical properties of the synthesized biofuels—including density, viscosity, flash point, calorific value, and cetane number—were analyzed in accordance with ASTM standards and compared with conventional diesel fuel. The results revealed that the produced biofuels exhibited properties comparable to standard diesel, indicating good ignition quality and combustion efficiency. Variations in yield and performance were attributed to differences in the oil content and fatty acid composition of the feedstocks. Furthermore, the study established that Nigerian crops provide a sustainable raw material base for biofuel production, with minimal environmental impact and strong potential for rural economic development. The research concludes that biofuels synthesized from indigenous Nigerian crops are promising renewable energy alternatives capable of reducing dependency on petroleum-based fuels and mitigating carbon emissions. The study recommends further optimization of production parameters and scaling up of local biofuel technologies to enhance energy security and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.

Comparative Performance analysis of Selected Working Fluids in a low temperature organic Rankine Cycle for Waste Heat recovery Application. The global imperative to improve energy efficiency necessitates the effective recovery of low-grade waste heat, a challenge perfectly addressed by the organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technology. This project undertakes a comprehensive comparative analysis of selected candidate organic working fluids – including Ethanol, Toluene, Cyclopentane, R245fa, R1233zd(E) and R152a, drawn from the categories of dry, wet and isentropic fluids, within a low-temperature ORC system designed for industrial waste heat recovery. The primary goal is to identify the optimal fluid that maximizes thermodynamic performance under a specified heat source temperature (e.g 206 0C to 123.7 0C). A thermodynamic model was developed to simulate the cycle’s performance. The selected fluids are evaluated against key metrics such as network and thermal efficiency. Initial simulation results reveal significant variability in cycle performance, depending on the fluid’s critical temperature, boiling point and condensation temperatures and pressures. The findings provide a data driven basis for selecting a working fluid that not only achieves higher power generation but also minimizes system’s complexity and investment cost, thereby accelerating the deployment of sustainable low temperature waste heat recovery systems.

The study looked at the installation, testing, and assessment of a 3.5kVA solar inverter power system at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Benin, Nigeria. Providing a sustainable and self-sufficient energy source, decreasing dependency on the local power grid, and cutting carbon emissions were the objectives of embarking on this project work. The assessment of solar irradiance, energy generation, battery performance, and system efficiency were among the many performance metrics of the solar inverter system that were evaluated. Solar panels, a 3.5kVA inverter, 6V 400Ah batteries, a charge controller, and a monitoring system make up the 3.5kVA system. A total of fourteen days' worth of data were gathered, which was then split into two weeks to examine the performance of the system at the location in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Benin in Edo State, Nigeria. The analysis revealed that solar irradiance significantly impacted the stored power, aligning with typical solar panel operating conditions. During the first week, temperatures ranged from 33.3°C to 38.7°C, with power output varying between 10,523Wh and 10,692Wh, showing how solar irradiation and daily temperatures affect panel performance. The highest energy generation was 10,692Wh on the morning of March 4th, while the lowest was 10,523Wh on the morning of March 5th. On average, the panels produced 10,608Wh per day, meeting around 57% of the department's daily energy needs. The solar inverter system performed as expected, demonstrating its reliability and self sufficiency. The study highlights the importance of evaluating solar photovoltaic systems to ensure efficient and consistent electricity power supply.

This project focuses on the design and fabrication of a DC-powered melon shelling machine to improve the efficiency and productivity of melon seed shelling, thereby reducing manual labour and increasing the production capacity of small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Melon seed shelling is a crucial process in the production of melon seeds, which are a vital ingredient in various food products. However, the traditional manual method of shelling is labour-intensive, time-consuming, and often results in seed damage. Therefore, there is a need for a mechanized solution to improve the efficiency and productivity of melon seed shelling.This project adopted a design and development approach, involving the conceptualization, design, fabrication, and testing of a DC-powered melon shelling machine. The machine was constructed primarily from mild steel, with additional components such as bolts, nuts, bearings, and a blower. The system is powered by a 12V, 75Ah battery, which gets recharged with the aid of a built-in charging module. The performance of the machine was evaluated through a series of tests, including shelling efficiency, seed damage, and feed rate. The results showed that the machine achieved an average shelling efficiency of 71.8%, an average seed damage of 15.6%, and a feed rate of 55.10 kg/hr. The results of this project demonstrate the potential of the DC-powered melon shelling machine to improve the efficiency and productivity of melon seed shelling. The machine's cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and ease of operation make it a viable solution for small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs in Nigeria. The successful development and testing of this machine provide a significant contribution to mechanized agriculture, improving efficiency and reducing manual labor in melon seed shelling. This project has the potential to transform the melon seed production industry in Nigeria, enhancing the livelihoods of farmers and entrepreneurs. Furthermore, this project demonstrates the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in addressing the challenges faced by small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs in Nigeria. The development of this machine highlights the potential for indigenous innovation to drive economic growth and development in Nigeria. In conclusion, this project has successfully demonstrated the feasibility of designing and fabricating a DC-powered melon shelling machine for improved efficiency and productivity in melon seed shelling. The machine's performance, cost-effectiveness, and ease of operation make it a viable solution for small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

A study was carried out based on societal use of electric power for the purpose of domestic cooking resulting in the observation that a substantial number of households do, occasional or seriously use electric power for cooking through heat generating electric stoves. An ensuing market survey around Benin City also revealed that various brands of electric cooking stoves are being sold in the markets. A close observation further revealed that virtually all the brands on sale in the markets are imported and are quite expensive. Based on these findings the idea of providing a locally fabricated alternative for these foreign brands of electric cooking stove was conceived and it led to the execution of this project. An extensive study of used and broken electric stoves as well as an extensive literature review showed that it is possible to design and fabricate from locally available materials, with the purchase of just two of the main components, the heating element and the thermostat. With this understanding, basic engineering knowledge was then applied to design all the components of a basic electric cooking stove. The components included the Frame, the Heat Generating Compartment, the Support Ceramic for the heating element, the Heating Element, the Internal Wiring, the Thermostat and the External Wiring and Plug. The designed components were fabricated and assembled to produce the electric stove which was tested and found to operate to a very high level. The main findings from this project work shows that the unit fabricated was not only more affordable, it was more sturdy and able to support cooking pots larger than what the imported brands could support. The design was also made to generate higher temperatures that leads to faster cooking thus balancing the total cost of power usually needed to cook the same amount of food.