DEPARTMENT OF PRODUCTION ENGINEERING

The project aimed to design, construct, and stabilize an inverted pendulum on a moving cart, demonstrating the practical application of modern control techniques in managing non-linear and unstable dynamic systems. To achieve this, a dynamic model of the pendulum-cart system was developed for analysis and simulation, followed by the construction of a physical prototype using appropriate mechanical and electronic components. Various control strategies, including PID, LQR, and state-space feedback, were designed, implemented, and tested to ensure the pendulum remained balanced in its upright position through real-time feedback and continuous control adjustment. A systematic methodology was adopted, beginning with mathematical modeling of the system using Newtonian and Lagrangian mechanics to derive and linearize the equations of motion. The model was simulated in MATLAB/Simulink to analyze behavior and optimize control parameters. The physical setup was built with lightweight materials, equipped with DC and stepper motors for movement, and integrated with sensors like encoders, gyroscopes, and accelerometers for real-time feedback. The control algorithms were embedded into a microcontroller, allowing real-time implementation and dynamic stabilization under various disturbances and operating conditions. The results showed successful stabilization of the inverted pendulum through effective feedback control. Among the tested controllers, the PID handled small deviations well but was less robust under disturbances, while the LQR controller provided superior performance, achieving quick settling times, minimal overshoot, and high stability. The state-space controller also demonstrated strong disturbance rejection and flexibility. The hardware tests closely matched the simulation results, confirming the model’s accuracy. Overall, the project validated that advanced control methods, particularly LQR, can efficiently stabilize complex, unstable systems, offering valuable insights for applications in robotics, autonomous systems, and adaptive control environments.

In Nigeria, a borehole is one of the best means of obtaining clean water in field condition. However, field operations in remote areas or in difficult conditions often require flexibility and imagination in avoiding and solving technical problems. The automated borehole regulator serves as a means to control the pumping of water between predefined upper and lower limits. This system mainly works on a principle that “water conducts electricity”. 5 wires are dipped into the tank with a certain gap between each wire will indicate the different water levels. Based on the outputs of these wires, microcontroller displays water level using LEDs as well as controls the flow of water by controlling the motor of the pump. In the 1st phase, the program is burnt into the microcontroller, and the 5 copper wires are used to indicate water level, and a motor controls the flow of water. An increase in the water level is determined by the wires, and the signal is sent to the microprocessor and afterwards displayed on the LCD screen. The overall system testing of integrated design of voltage measurement device. The testing and integration are done to ensure that the design is functioning properly as expected thereby enabling the intended user(s) for which the project was targeted for, appreciate its implementation and equally approaches used in the design and integration of various modules of the project.

Perennial crops (Plantain, cucumber and banana) and tuber crops (yam) are one of the alternative sources for low cost carbohydrates and is considered as one of the major crop in the Nigeria. They are perishable perennial and tuber crops that tends to easily deteriorates which in turn pose a problem in the society. Thus, the processing of plantain, cucumber, banana and yam after harvest is necessary to extend the shelf life of products in their raw form. Therefore, the aim of the project is to design and fabricate an automated slicing machine capable of slicing plantain, cucumber, banana and yam into chips that can also be readily made available in other processed forms whilst taking into consideration, fast and less labor processing, ease of use and hygienic design. The major components of the machine that were incorporated in the machine to achieve the set out aim and objectives included the spring, pulley, bearing, electric motor, mainframe, belt drive, cutting disc, and slicing shaft. The machine was powered by a single-phase, 1440rpm, and 0.75KW electric motor. These machine specifications were induced to achieve the results. The performance of the machine was evaluated in slicing four selected agro-based crops (yam, plantain, cucumber, and banana) grouped into small sizes at machine speeds of 40 rpm, 80.12rpm, and 630rpm respectively. The parameters that were investigated were performance efficiency and capacity. In performing the machine test, each fingers of plantain, cucumber, banana and yam were first peeled manually with a knife to remove its pericarp (outer covering), and then, these peeled sets of cucumber, plantain, banana and yam were loaded into the feeding inlet after the spring compression. During this process, the slicing process took place and the machine’s capacity, efficiency, and thickness were determined in order to evaluate the machine’s performance to slice plantain, cucumber, plantain and banana. A capacity of 59Kg/hr, performance efficiency of 92.1% and at speed of 40 rpm was obtained for yam, while a capacity of 62.4Kg/hr., performance efficiency of 89.99% at a speed of 630 rpm was obtained for banana, a capacity of 48.5Kg/hr., efficiency of 90.5% at a speed of 80.1rpm was obtained for cucumber and capacity of 72.7Kg/hr. and efficiency of 89.95%, at a speed of 630 rpm was obtained for plantain. The result of the study shows that the machine can slice root and tuber crops satisfactorily with slices ranging from 2mm to 2.5mm mean thickness. This machine was made with the intention of assisting cucumber, yam, plantain and banana chips producing industries

The main purpose of the project was to design and construct a 3.5KVAinverter whichmakes use of both Solar and mains or grid supply for charging the batteries. This is toreduce the frequency of power outages experienced in our homes and businesses. The project was carried out with the use of two 12V batteries connected in series togivea total of 24V DC which would serve as input for the inverter when on inverting modeand give an output of 220V AC for household appliances. Incorporated withintheinverter was load control features, such that when the inverter stops charging andstartsinverting, at a particular battery level set by the user, the heavy loads would be cut off while supply of power to the light loads continues. But when critical battery level isreached the light loads are also cut off and the inverter shuts down. This was done usingMicrocontroller in controlling relays which either powers on the load or cuts off theload when the battery is low. The proposed inverter design has two outputs throughwhich load management was achieved. One of the outputs is designated to light loadsand the other to heavy loads. The Microcontroller controls the load stage which canbeprogrammed through the keypad to monitor the output power to the loads in output oneand two, to ensure they do not draw power beyond the limits programmed by the user. To achieve this, the Microcontroller cuts off either of the outputs which exceed the set limit. With the help of a timer controller and by means of the keypad a particular loadpower duration can be programmed so that the output can be shut down at the end of theset time. This timer control and load power control are ways the user can control power consumption and help in power management

This work is on the design and construction of a 2.5KVA solar inverter. Solar inverter converts the variable direct current (DC) output of a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel into a utility frequency alternating current (AC) that can be fed into a commercial electrical grid or used by a local, off- grid electrical network. It is a critical component in a photovoltaic system, allowing the use of ordinary AC-powered equipment. In solar inverters, Solar panels produce direct electricity with the help of electrons that are moving from a negative to a positive direction. Most of the appliances that we use at home work on alternative current. This AC is created by the constant back and forth of the electrons from negative to positive. In AC power, the voltage can be changed depending on how the equipment will be used. Solar inverters are used to convert DC to AC because solar panels can only produce Direct Current. A 2.5KVA electrical inverter was designed for this project. The inverting circuitry assembly's architecture has two 200Ah dry cell batteries, a 240v/24-0-24v center-tapped transformer, and electrical and electronic components. A refrigerator (1200 watts), four high-energy lights (40 watts each), a standing fan (60 watts), a television (200 watts), a DVD player (240 watts), and a 60-watt tungsten lamp were all powered by the design electric inverter. At the stated load of 1940 watts, the inverter lasted for roughly five hours

Digital fabrication technology, also referred to as 3D printing or additive manufacturing, creates physical objects from a geometrical representation by successive addition of materials. 3D printing technology is a fast-emerging technology. Nowadays, 3D Printing is widely used in the world. 3D printing technology increasingly used for the mass customization, production of any types of open source designs in the field of agriculture, in healthcare, automotive industry, locomotive industry and aviation industries. 3D printing technology can print an object layer by layer deposition of material directly. This study is on 3D printing, it is different from traditional manufacturing processes that shape products through milling, grinding etc. Instead, with additive manufacturing, layers are added to a product. This allows for three dimensional manufacturing and limited scrap. Additive manufacturing has been viewed by many as a disruptive innovation for society because it allows consumers to manufacture their own products. The current status of 3D printers will be provided together with an analysis of the main producers such as Makerbot and Ultimaker (consumer markets) and Stratasys and 3D Systems (industrial markets), their models and their current capabilities and overall adoption. It is concluded that additive manufacturing is experiencing high growth but that, in particular for industrial applications, it is not yet competitive with traditional manufacturing systems. This project explores the use of 3D printing technology to create a figurine of a football player for games like Udosen's soccer game. A 3D modeling software was used to design the figurine, which was then 3D printed using a 3D printer. The finished figurine was detailed and accurately represented the chosen football player. The project demonstrated the capabilities of 3D printing in the realm of sports and athletics and highlighted the potential for creating personalized and unique collectibles and displays using this technology. To create a 3D printed player figurine for Udosen's soccer board game, one can start by
designing the model using 3D modeling software such a Blender. The design can then be exported as a 3D printable file, such as an STL file, which is then loaded into our Creality 3D printer. Once the 3D model was complete, it was then necessary to prepare the model for printing and to set up the 3D printer in order to begin the printing process. This involved selecting the appropriate filament material and setting the printing parameters in order to achieve the desired results. The printing process itself took several hours
depending on the size and complexity of the model. Overall, the project required a combination of technical skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving in order to achieve a successful outcome. The printer then prints the model layer by layer, using a variety of materials, including plastic, resin. In
addition to the technical aspects of 3D printing, the project also involved a significant amount of research and planning. It was necessary to gather reference images and information about the chosen football player in order to create an accurate and detailed 3D model. The design process involved making decisions about the features and details to include in the figurine and required careful attention to proportion and detail. One of the main advantages of 3D printing is its ability to produce highly detailed and accurate models, which makes it perfect for creating custom figurines for board games like Udosen's soccer board game. In addition, 3D printing allows for easy customization, enabling players to create unique player profiles that reflect their individual playing style. Using a 3D printer and 5g of filament, we
were able to print a set of player figurines in 35 minutes that are lightweight, durable, and accurately
represent the players on the field. The total cost of printing these figurines was 108.89 Nigerian Naira, making it an affordable and costeffective way to enhance the overall gaming experience. In conclusion, the use of 3D printing technology in the Udosen’s Soccer Board Game is a game-changer. It adds a new level of excitement and immersion to the game and is an affordable way to enhance the gaming experience. At a cost of 108.89 Nigerian Naira and using only 5g of filament, it is a cost-effective way to produce high-quality player figurines that are both durable and visually appealing.

Over the years, feather plucking of birds and pounding of yams of all types and varieties are always done manually without specific attention to the health related challenges associated with such practices. Again, the quality of the processed birds andpounded yam quantity required, were not of interest. Today, the health implications, unit cost of de feathering and pounding, the quality and quantity of processed birds and pounded yam are of interest and paramount importance to farmers. Hence, this work is aimed at designing and manufacturing a dual modernized friendly feather plucking machine and yam pounding machine using
locally available materials. The method adopted for this project work include the selection of appropriate materials, including,
ild steel sheet for framing the machine, stainless steel drum carefully manipulated to form the plucking basin and pounding basin. Other locally made materials used for the construction include, tapered plucking fingers made of rubbers, plastic pipes and
fittings. Also, the desired electric motor to drive the system using appropriate pulleys and belts were selected using appropriate mathematical models. Result showed that at an operating speed of 1440 rpm, birds with average weight of 1.5 kg soaked in water for about 85 degrees Celsius for approximately minute were de feathered in 20 seconds and 2 yam piece of 2kg each pounded at 3 minutes. Other results showed that the weight, temperature of the water, the speed of the motor and the duration of soaking of the bird in water and the weight of yam pounded were all important variables to be addressed to enhance the efficiency of the machine and the quality of both dressed birds and yam pounded.

Security is a very important part of any organizations structure. The modern age comes with an increasing need for secure and flexible access control systems. This project designs and implements a Radio Frequency Identification security door lock system. It features a mobile application is also built to control the system and manage user accounts and permissions. Wi-Fi connectivity is implemented to enhance access control. The limitations of traditional lock systems is the major motivation behind this project. Although noteworthy achievements have been made
in this field, there is still a lot that can be improved upon. This project utilizes the ESP32 microcontroller, RFID reader module, electronic bolt lock as the primary components. This system primarily authenticates users with the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. The application also servers as a secondary access option when needed.
The application is used to control and manage users and cards. Role based access makes it possible for different user roles to have different levels of authority over the system. User and card information are stored in a PostgreSQL database which makes it easy to manage the system from different locations. The system also possesses a battery system as a source of alternative power in the event of power outages. This project takes an Internet of Things (IOT) approach to RFID security and connects the lock hardware and software seamlessly to make the system more efficient, flexible and robust. The system is tested to approximate its behavior in a real-life situation before it is installed. The tests proves that the system is an improvement in efficiency, ease of use and flexibility in access control and security. There are a lot of other opportunities that could be explored that would further improve the systems performance but are beyond the scope of this project work and are suggested in the recommendations for future work.

In this study, we focused on the design and fabrication of a yam pounding machine that performs the hygienic processing of pounded yam, eliminates the laborious process involved in pounding yam and to minimize the time for processing pounded yam. The machine was fabricated using mild steel, stainless steel, pulleys, belt and shaft. A type A43 belt was used (V-belt), the depth of the bowl is 425mm, length, width and thickness of the beater is 148 x 51 x 16 mm. The diameter of the driving pulley is 70mm and the diameter of the driven pulley is 210mm. The length and breathe of 650mm by 760mm. The result from the testing showed that the yam pounding machine produced a hygienic and well processed pounded yam in a lesser time. It totally eliminated the laborious involved in pounding. The efficiency of the machine was 88.171%N which is fair for a locally fabricated machine. Given that some percentage was lost due to the vibration from the motor.

ABSTRACT
Waste disposal has become one of the major concerns for our Country, Nigeria. Fruit peels are the major solid by-product. The dried fruit peels have a content of cellulose and hemicelluloses, which make it suitable as fermentation substrate when hydrolyzed. This thesis aims at utilizing fruit (pineapple) peels for the production of bio-ethanol by using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, thus, producing a valuable product from the fruit peel wastes. The pineapple waste is collected and weighed. This is then grinded, mixed with about 2 litres of water and then filtered. The filtrate is heated on the stove for 5-6hours in which sugar syrup is obtained.
After this, fermentation process takes place which involve introducing 10ml of the yeast into the mixture and mixing with 100ml of water. The water is first boiled at 100°c for 30 minutes after which it was allowed to cool to around 37°c.
Finally, distillation process is being carried out. The cold mash is put into the combustion chamber and heat is applied from a stove and a copper pipe connected through the condenser Chamber, thermometer, and cork fitted to the collection chamber. Re-distillation is carried out to increase the ethanol content.