DEPARTMENT OF THE MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Car park management in Nigeria is largely manual, inefficient, and insecure, often relying on handwritten tickets and rope-operated barriers. These methods, coupled with an unreliable power infrastructure, lead to significant congestion and safety risks. This project addresses these challenges through the design and fabrcation of a cost-effective, solar-powered, automated car park access control system. The system architecture is based on a Master/Slave configuration using two ESP32 microcontrollers that communicate via the ESP-NOW protocol. The Master ESP32 serves as the central "brain," handling RFID authentication and image capture via an ESP32 camera. Upon an access attempt, the system immediately captures the driver's image and validates the RFID tag against a local database stored on an SD card. This process creates a secure visual audit trail by logging all attempts (granted or denied) with a timestamp and the corresponding image. The Slave ESP32 manages the physical "muscle", controlling the barrier's geared motor and monitoring an ultrasonic sensor for vehicle safety

Marine pollution is an escalating issue, particularly in shipping operations, where factors such as oil spills, ballast water discharge, and plastic waste pose serious threats to marine ecosystems and global trade. This study seeks to assess the impact of marine pollution on both shipping operations and the marine environment, offering insights into its root causes, consequences, and potential solutions. This thesis describes the nature of marine pollution, its key sources and their effects which brings to light the escalating pollution problem and its consequences on marine biodiversity, fisheries, the economic viability of coastal communities and shipping operations. It highlights the regulatory measures such as Marine Pollution (MARPOL) and the Ballast Water Management Convention. The research methodology employs a descriptive survey design that gathers data from marine engineers, ship operators, port officials and environmental officers. These findings are used to propose solutions such as stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, adoption of sustainable fuels and enhanced waste management strategies. This research emphasizes the dire need for industry-wide cooperation to diminish pollution, balance economic interests with environmental sustainability, and ensure the long-term resilience of both shipping operations and marine environment.

Sustainability impact assessment is a tedious exercise to determine if a project is worthwhile by subjecting it to different methods of analysis. In this project, an assessment was conducted on utilizing synthesis gas as a substitute to conventional fossil fuels such as gasoline, for household power generation. The methods embarked on in the course of study included the Life Cycle Analysis, Techno- Economic Assessment, and Cost Benefit Analysis. Global warming potential (GWP) of utilizing syngas was checked for and it was seen that it was gotten to be 0.111kg CO2 equivalent and its acidification potential is 4.4E-4kg SO2 equivalent and human toxicity potential is 8.86E-2kg, 1-4 DB equivalent. It showed promise of being an eco-friendly method of power generation. In regards to the economic assessment, it was found that the Levelized Cost of Electricity was ₦34.009/kWh and this is seen definitely as a cheaper option than that offered by the current distribution rate seen in the country. The NPV as at the end of 20 years was seen to be - ₦157,606.95. Methods of reducing this and making it a positive value was also explored. This included reducing the cost of Operation and Maintenance by 30% and the Biomass cost by 40%. In summary, synthesis gas has a very exciting future in the process of power generation. The findings offer scientific proof for the design and deployment of the hybrid technology to improve energy security, while reducing carbon emissions. Overall, this study brings to light the potential benefits of biomass energy systems and encourages the implementation of sustainable practices regarding energy for a greener future.

This project presents the design and fabrication of a cost-effective submersible RemotelyOperated Vehicle (ROV) intended for underwater exploration, specifically for lakebed surveysand crack observations. The study aims to develop an affordable, durable, and highly maneuverable ROV using a syringe-actuated buoyancy system, PVC hull construction, andacombination of propellers and pumps for navigation. Unlike conventional ROVs that relysolelyon thrusters, this design integrates a novel buoyancy control mechanism to enhance precisionandstability in shallow water operations. The development process involved conceptualizing the structural framework, selecting appropriate materials, and integrating propulsion, control, and buoyancy systems. The ROVwasfabricated using lightweight and corrosion-resistant materials such as PVC pipes and acrylicplates, ensuring durability and cost efficiency. A single brushless motor provided forwardpropulsion, while four strategically placed syringe-actuated pumps enabled controlled vertical and lateral movement. The prototype underwent rigorous testing to evaluate maneuverability, depth control, and structural integrity. Results demonstrated that the ROV successfully achieved stable and precise movements, makingit an effective tool for underwater inspections. The syringe-actuated buoyancy systemprovidedreliable depth control, although minor delays in response time were noted. While the designproved efficient for shallow-water exploration, enhancements in power efficiency and material optimization are recommended for future iterations. Overall, this project contributes to the advancement of affordable underwater robotics, offering a practical solution for research, environmental monitoring, and industrial applications

This project explores the design and fabrication of a hydrolysis-based cooker, an innovative cooking device that applies controlled hydrolysis and thermal processes to generate heat for domestic cooking. Motivated by the need for sustainable, affordable, and clean cooking technologies particularly in rural parts of Nigeria and the West African region the study evaluates how scientific principles such as heat transfer, energy conversion, and material behavior can be optimized to create an efficient alternative to conventional biomass and fossilfuel stoves. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to analyze existing cooking technologies, the application of hydrolysis and related thermal reactions in industrial systems, and previous research on fabrication techniques and material selection. Insights from these studies guided the conceptual development, material choice, and design framework for the prototype. The project also identifies critical gaps in current knowledge and technology, including affordability and cost gaps, materials and durability gaps, local adaptation and user context gaps, system integration and design gaps. The resulting prototype demonstrates the feasibility of integrating hydrolysis into a functional domestic cooking system, offering potential advantages in energy efficiency, safety, and environmental impact. This work contributes to ongoing efforts to develop innovative, sustainable, and locally adaptable cooking technologies for households in energy-challenged communities.

The oil and gas industry depends extensively on centrifugal pumps for the transportation of crude oil; however, Cavitation remains a major operational challenge that reduces pump efficiency and lifespan. While cavitation in water and other fluids has been widely studied, limited research has focused on cavitation behavior in crude oil systems. This study addressed this gap by developing a numerical approach for investigating cavitation in crude oil centrifugal pumps using Computational Fluid Dynamics.

The research employed simulations using ANSYS to analyze complex flow patterns and cavitation behavior within a centrifugal pump. A multi-model approach was adopted, incorporating a bubble dynamics model to track the nucleation, growth, and collapse of vapor bubbles, a turbulence model to simulate chaotic fluid flow, and a multiphase model to represent interactions between the liquid and vapor phases of crude oil. The developed numerical model was validated by comparing simulation results with operational performance data from a centrifugal pump used in an oil rig, achieving a margin of error of approximately 0.5%.

The results highlighted the importance of considering crude oil properties and pump design parameters when addressing cavitation issues. In particular, casing surface roughness was identified as a critical factor influencing cavitation intensity, as even minor variations significantly increased cavitation activity. Additionally, crude oil backflow was found to play a major role in initiating discharge cavitation within the pump system.

The study concludes that accurate modeling of crude oil properties and pump design characteristics is essential for mitigating cavitation in centrifugal pumps. The findings provide valuable insights for improving pump design, operation, and maintenance strategies within the oil and gas industry

This project explores the design and fabrication of a hydrolysis-based cooker, an innovative cooking device that applies controlled hydrolysis and thermal processes to generate heat for domestic cooking. Motivated by the need for sustainable, affordable, and clean cooking technologies particularly in rural parts of Nigeria and the West African region the study evaluates how scientific principles such as heat transfer, energy conversion, and material behavior can be optimized to create an efficient alternative to conventional biomass and fossilfuel stoves.
A comprehensive literature review was conducted to analyze existing cooking technologies, the application of hydrolysis and related thermal reactions in industrial systems, and previous research on fabrication techniques and material selection. Insights from these studies guided the conceptual development, material choice, and design framework for the prototype. The project also identifies critical gaps in current knowledge and technology, including affordability and cost gaps, materials and durability gaps, local adaptation and user context gaps, system integration and design gaps.
The resulting prototype demonstrates the feasibility of integrating hydrolysis into a functional domestic cooking system, offering potential advantages in energy efficiency, safety, and environmental impact. This work contributes to ongoing efforts to develop innovative, sustainable, and locally adaptable cooking technologies for households in energy-challenged communities.

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.

Conventional heat exchangers face a fundamental trade-off between thermal
effectiveness and hydraulic performance. Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces (TPMS),
enabled by Additive Manufacturing, present a promising solution, offering high
surface-to-volume ratios and complex internal geometries that promote enhanced flow
mixing and heat transfer. This research details the design and numerical analysis of a
heat exchanger utilizing a Gyroid TPMS core. The primary objective was to assess its
thermal-hydraulic performance using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and
benchmark it against a conventional plate-type exchanger.
The methodology employed a novel computational workflow, beginning with the
generation of the complex implicit geometry in nTopology. This model was then
exported to Ansys Fluent for simulation. A full-scale Conjugate Heat Transfer (CHT)
analysis was conducted, using the k-ω SST turbulence model to accurately resolve the
flow and thermal coupling. The intricate geometry's meshing challenge was overcome
using the Fault-Tolerant Meshing (FTM) workflow.
The validated simulation results demonstrated the superior hydrodynamic efficiency of
the Gyroid TPMS design with a 1370% lower pressure drop and 570% less pumping
power. This presented a clear trade-off, as the conventional plate-type transferred 2.4
times more heat but at a substantial pressure cost. This study successfully validates a
robust computational workflow for analysing complex TPMS geometries and
concludes that these architectures provide a viable path toward developing more
compact, lightweight, and thermally efficient heat exchangers.

This study conducted a comprehensive hydrodynamic analysis and environmental adaptation of a trimaran model specifically designed for Nigerian coastal and inland waters. Employing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, this research analyzed resistance, stability, maneuvering, and wave-making resistance. The CFD simulations, performed using the k-ω Shear Stress Transport (SST) turbulence model, captured critical hydrodynamic behaviour, including flow separation and wake interactions, with grid resolutions optimized through a grid independence study. Results showed that the refined grid achieved a stable resistance
prediction at 125.4N, maintaining a y-plus range of 20 to 90 for accurate boundary layer modelling. There was a non-linear increase in resistance, reaching 450kN at 25 knots, and a metacentric height of 2.8m at a 10-degree heel angle, ensuring stability. Maneuvering
analyses indicate a turning radius of 350m at a 25-degree rudder angle, demonstrating the trimaran's agility in confined waterways. Environmental adaptation showed a 20% increase in resistance under rough sea conditions, emphasizing the need for design optimizations. These findings highlight the trimaran's suitability for the challenging maritime conditions of Nigeria, balancing efficiency, stability, maneuverability, performance, safety, and adaptability while offering insights to optimizing future trimaran designs under similar environmental constraints. These findings also provide a framework for future designs that address local environmental challenges while maximizing operational efficiency. Nonetheless, optimizing side hull configurations to enhance wave cancellation effects and reducing wetted surface area to improve drag performance is recommended.