DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

The increasing incidence of theft and mismanagement of personal belongings in school libraries has underscored the need for a reliable and secure storage solution. This project presents the design and implementation of an RFID-Based Secure Storage System developed specifically for the John Harris Library, University of Benin. The system leverages Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to provide an automated, user-friendly, and efficient means of storing and retrieving students’ personal items while ensuring security and accountability. A combination of hardware and software design methodologies was adopted. The development process involved three major stages: a user perception survey, system simulation, and physical implementation. The user survey established the need for improved storage security and confirmed students’ willingness to adopt an RFID-driven solution. The simulation phase, conducted using Proteus ISIS Professional, validated the system’s logic, data flow, and component integration before hardware assembly. The physical prototype was implemented using an ESP32 microcontroller, RC522 RFID reader, servo-based locker mechanism, and a dual power system supported by a Battery Management System (BMS) for stable operation under varying power conditions. Testing results revealed an average system response time of approximately two seconds and 100% tag recognition accuracy, confirming both reliability and efficiency. The dual power design eliminated voltage interference between the control unit and servo motors, while the BMS ensured safe and continuous functionality during power fluctuations. The system’s performance was evaluated using theoretical frameworks such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Security Theory, and Socio-Technical Systems Theory, all of which validated its usability, security, and integration of human and technical subsystems. The developed RFID-Based Secure Storage System successfully met its objectives of providing an automated, secure, and scalable storage solution for school libraries. It demonstrates how mechatronic engineering principles and RFID technology can be effectively combined to enhance campus security infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and promote user trust in academic environments.

In order to address the growing global energy demand and reduce the environmental impact from operating gas turbine power plants, the performance and how to improve existing gas turbine power plants need to be studied. In view of this, this research work aims at carrying out the thermodynamic and environmental analyses of Azura Edo Power Plant for design and off-design conditions. Ebsilon Software is a commercially accepted energy and mass balance tool for power plant modelling. The performance of the Azura Edo Power Plant at design and off-design conditions were modelled using Ebsilon Software and the simulation exercise was validated. Energy, exergy and environmental analyses were conducted using operating data collected from the power plant to evaluate the thermal efficiencies, heat rate, energy losses and exergy destruction of each major component of the power plant and carbon dioxide emission rates with the aid of MATLAB software. The effects of ambient air temperature on the thermodynamic and environmental performances were carried out. Preliminary analyses of the effect of integrating an inlet air cooling system and heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) for future consideration were conducted.

Our focus in this project is to address water scarcity by creating a simple solar still system that will increase water productivity. The solar still uses simple design features to transform non-potable water into a secure and useful resource. It does this by employing strong materials and an effective water purification system. Optimized sunlight exposure angles, enhanced heat retention, and technology that guarantees continuous water production even in times of low sunlight are some of the key features. Thorough field testing in regions with non-potable water sources assesses the system's functionality under varying conditions. Participation from the community is essential, as input directs system optimization for cultural appropriateness and usability. The project also places a strong emphasis on building sustainably and cheaply by using local resources. A thorough documentation process records the phases of testing, construction, and design iterations, offering important information for upcoming implementations and enhancements