FACULTY OF ENGINEERING,

Solid waste management remains a critical environmental and public health challenge within university environments, especially in residential staff quarters where large quantities of solid waste are generated on a daily basis but there is lack of proper management practices. Hence this study aims investigate the solid waste management practices in the junior staff quarters located within the University of Benin. The study employed quantification and characterization of household waste at the point of generation, collection of data with the aid of structured questionnaires and an observational checklist. Data were collected from the residents of the junior staff quarters over a seven day period to determine the rate and composition of waste generation among the residents of the staff quarters. Descriptive statistical tools were used to analyze the data obtained from the questionnaires. A pilot test and a reliability test using Cronbach’s alpha was also conducted to validate the clarity of the questionnaire items and to ensure the internal consistency and dependability of the questionnaire.Results obtained from the questionnaire showed that waste disposal posed a major challenge in the university of Benin Junior Staff Quarters as 97% residents reported there was no waste point availability, 75% reported that the waste collection frequency was irregular and 78% of residents reported that they did not pra tice waste segregation in the junior staff quarters. Observational checklists revealed that solid waste generated by residents were stored in open containers and sack bags with frequent spillage and noncollection. Waste characterization further showed that organic waste constituted the largest
portion (64.64%), nylon constituting 12.98% plastic constituting 5.96% Miscellaeneous constituting 11.1% metal and paper constituting the lowest with 4.43% and 0.89%
respectively

The increasing complexity of Electric Vehicle (EV) powertrains necessitates a robust, integrated, and flexible control strategy, centralized within the Electric Vehicle Control Unit (EVCU). This study shows the implementation of the Id = control strategy using the MATLAB/Simulink Motor Control Blockset under varying loading conditions and speed requirements. This study further goes on to show an implementation of a CC-CV charging controller for a Li-ion battery with multiple current control loops. The study is designed for compliance with the AUTOSAR (Automotive Open System Architecture) Classic Platform for compliance – ensuring modularity, portability and adherence to industry standards. The study results validate the performance of the Interior PMSM and the ability to generate C implementation and header files from the model-based engineering (MBE) design approach which can be further used for hardware-in-the-loop testing. This study concludes that the MBE and AUTOSAR approach produces a highly efficient framework for developing, validating and iterating on complex, multi-domain electric vehicle components.

This study models and simulates the wave energy potential along Nigeria’s coastline to evaluate its feasibility as a sustainable power source. With the nation facing persistent energy deficits and heavy dependence on fossil fuels, wave energy offers a clean and renewable alternative. Using real world oceanographic data from the Copernicus Marine Service (ERA5 dataset), key wave parameters significant wave height (Hs) and mean wave period (Te) were extracted and processed in MATLAB. A dynamic heaving point absorber Wave Energy Converter (WEC) model was then developed in Simulink to simulate power generation over a one year period (September 2024–September 2025). The simulation results show that a single 5-meter wide point absorber can generate approximately 13.88 MWh annually, with peak outputs during the summer months when wave activity is highest. The findings confirm that Nigeria’s wave climate, though moderate, is consistent and technically viable for decentralized, off grid energy applications, particularly for coastal communities and small industries. This research provides a quantitative foundation for future investment, policy development, and pilot projects aimed at integrating marine renewable energy into Nigeria’s sustainable energy mix.

The main goal of this research was to explore the effectiveness of slow pyrolysis of sawdust in generating high-quality biochar with beneficial characteristics for different uses, such as soil improvement and water purification. By adjusting the pyrolysis temperature and duration, the study sought to identify the ideal conditions for producing biochar with improved physicochemical properties. Sawdust, an abundant byproduct of the timber industry, underwent slow pyrolysis in a low-oxygen environment. The process was carried out at various temperatures, ranging from400°Cto700°C, to evaluate how temperature affects both the yield and characteristics of the resulting biochar. The produced biochar was analyzed through several techniques, such as surface area measurement, pH analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, iodine number assessment, and yield percentage evaluation. The research revealed that slow pyrolysis of sawdust produced high-quality biochar with desirable characteristics. The biochar showed elevated carbon content, a porous structure, and an almost neutral pH, making it well-suited for use in agriculture and water purification. Both laboratory and field experiments confirmed that biochar effectively enhanced soil quality, boosted water retention, and improved nutrient availability. The research also showed that up to 55% of the material could be converted into solid biochar, while the rest was produced as bio-oil and syngas. These results emphasize the sustainable and versatile advantages of utilizing slow pyrolysis of sawdust for biochar production.

This project focuses on developing an innovative web-based monitoring system tailored for deep cycle batteries. Serving as a repository of vital information, the system seamlessly amalgamates data from battery-connected sensors, securely storing it within a cloud-based database. Accessible via an intuitively designed web interface, users can effortlessly access essential battery insights, without the need for real-time updates. The system's ingenuity lies in its capacity to translate raw data into actionable insights. Extracted patterns and correlations inform the optimization of battery performance and the extension of its lifespan. The system's intelligence empowers informed decision-making, offering suggestions for adjustments to charging rates, discharge patterns, and operational strategies. These recommendations hold the potential to substantially enhance deep cycle
battery longevity, mitigate maintenance costs, and elevate overall system efficiency. Furthermore, the system acts as a trusted guide in selecting deep cycle batteries tailored to specific needs. Conducting meticulous comparative analyses of battery performances and considering pivotal selection factors empowers users to make confident, well-informed decisions, even in the absence of visual aids. Spanning applications across the renewable energy, marine, and automotive sectors, this all-encompassing monitoring system revolutionizes deep cycle battery management. By Prioritizing pertinent data and actionable insights over real-time updates, the system lays the groundwork for efficient, cost-effective, and well-informed battery systems, thus contributing to a sustainable energy landscape.

This project presents the design and construction of a Gesture Control Smart Lighting System aimed at enhancing accessibility and improving energy efficiency in residential and commercial
environments. Traditional lighting systems rely on manual switches, which may present challenges for elderly individuals, persons with disabilities, or in situations where physical contact
is inconvenient. The proposed system utilizes gesture recognition technology to enable users to control lighting functions such as switching ON/OFF and adjusting brightness through simple
hand movements without physical contact. The system integrates a microcontroller-based platform with gesture sensors to detect and interpret predefined hand motions. These gestures are processed and translated into lighting control commands in real time. The design prioritizes low power consumption, reliability, affordability, and ease of installation. By eliminating unnecessary energy usage through automated control and user-friendly interaction, the system contributes to energy conservation and promotes sustainable living.
Experimental testing demonstrates that the system responds accurately to gesture inputs with minimal delay, ensuring efficient performance and improved user convenience. The developed
prototype highlights the potential of gesture-based smart systems in advancing modern home automation, particularly for enhanced accessibility and energy-efficient lighting solutions.

Poultry farming is a crucial agricultural sector that provides protein and economic opportunities, particularly in rural communities. However, small-scale poultry farmers often face challenges in egg incubation due to unreliable electricity and the high costs of conventional incubators. This study explores the design, fabrication, and evaluation of a solar-powered egg incubator tailored for small-scale poultry farmers. The proposed incubator harnesses renewable solar energy to maintain optimal incubation conditions, ensuring stable temperature, humidity, and automated egg turning. The research employs a systematic approach, including component selection, design calculations, computer-aided design (CAD) simulations, and prototype fabrication. The incubator is designed to be cost-effective, energy-efficient, and scalable, making it accessible to farmers in off-grid areas. Performance tests demonstrated that the incubator maintained an internal temperature range of 37–38°C, achieving a hatchability rate of 91% and a fertility rate of 95%. Computational
Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis validated its thermal efficiency and air circulation patterns. The results indicate that solar-powered incubation is a viable alternative to conventional methods, reducing dependency on fossil fuels while enhancing productivity. This study contributes to sustainable poultry farming by offering a practical, environmentally friendly, and economically viable solution for small-scale farmers. Further research is recommended to explore large-scale applications and the integration of automated control systems

The rapid expansion of fifth-generation (5G) wireless networks demands antenna arrays with wide bandwidth, high gain, and efficient beamforming capabilities to facilitate ultra-high-definition video streaming, extensive Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, and communications with minimal latency. Nevertheless, traditional microstrip patch antennas continue to face fundamental challenges, including limited bandwidth, strong mutual coupling in array configurations, and reduced radiation efficiency caused by dielectric and surface wave losses. These challenges hinder their suitability for high-performance 5G applications. This project presents the design and simulation of a 4 × 4 microstrip patch antenna array optimized for sub-6 GHz 5G applications. The Rogers 4350B substrate is utilized because of its low-loss characteristics and stable dielectric properties. To improve performance, U-shaped slots are added to the radiating elements, and a Defected Ground Structure (DGS) is incorporated into the ground plane. The design, analysis, and optimization of the antenna are carried out using ANSYS HFSS, focusing on achieving wide impedance bandwidth, high gain, and improved inter-element isolation without physical fabrication. The selection of materials, substrate parameters, and design dimensions are carefully chosen to facilitate future fabrication and experimental validation. Simulation results show that the proposed antenna achieves a gain of 10.64 dB, a bandwidth of 180 MHz, radiation efficiency of 72.3%, and a return loss (S11) of –19.96 dB at 3.5 GHz. In comparison, the conventional 4 × 4 array of the same dimensions without slots and DGS recorded a gain of 10.31 dB, no substantial bandwidth as the return loss
at the resonance frequency, 3.5 GHz, is above the -10 dB line, efficiency of 64.39%. The observed improvements are primarily attributed to the DGS, which effectively suppresses surface waves, minimizes mutual coupling, and enhances current distribution uniformity, across the array. Overall, the optimized DGS-based antenna demonstrates superior performance in terms of gain, bandwidth, and element isolation, making it a strong candidate for compact and efficient sub-6 GHz 5G base station and user terminal applications. The findings of this study provide a useful framework for further research and practical realization of high-performance antenna arrays for next-generation wireless communication systems.

Mooring systems remain one of the most critical safety components in marine operations, yet failures continue to occur across ports and offshore environments. These failures often lead to equipment damage, operational disruptions, and, in severe cases, loss of life. This study investigates the major causes of mooring system failures and evaluates the associated risks, with a particular focus on mooring practices in port environments. The research combines a detailed review of mooring system fundamentals with an assessment of human, environmental, and equipment-related factors that influence failure. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain first-hand information from marine professionals, and the responses were analysed using the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) technique. The findings reveal that human error, inadequate inspection routines, worn mooring lines, and environmental forces such as strong winds and currents are leading contributors to mooring failures. Several failure modes were identified, but the highest Risk Priority Numbers (RPNs) were associated with poor maintenance culture, deviation from safety procedures, and the use of degraded lines. These areas represent the most urgent risks requiring intervention. The study also highlights gaps in compliance with standard mooring system management practices, including inconsistent adherence to the Mooring System Management Plan (MSMP). Based on the results, the research recommends stricter enforcement of mooring safety procedures, regular condition onitoring of mooring equipment, improved crew training, and the adoption of structured risk-assessment tools such as FMEA during operations. Strengthening these areas will significantly reduce the likelihood of failures and enhance the overall safety and reliability of mooring operations in Nigerian port environments.

In evaluating the performance of organic coating (Polyethylene Tape) in the corrosion protection of mild steel pipelines, pipelines around the shores of Escravos in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria with organic coating (Polyethylene tape) installed at the soil-to-air interface (Transition section) for 14 years was considered in the scope of this study. This was to provide performance data when considering the use of Polyethylene Tape coating on the of pipeline transition section
that is susceptible to accelerated corrosion attack due to numerous environmental variables.Corrosion damage ranging from surface rust to mild external corrosion were noted on the specimen pipeline surfaces and with no evidence of through wall perforation noted on the
polyethylene tape coating, however, coagulation failure (Adhesive failure between adhesive
layer and pipe surface) was observed in all specimen examined. A limitation in the effectiveness of organic coating (Polyethylene Tape) in corrosion protection of mild steel due to its none continuous spread (many joining points) over the coated pipeline surfaces thereby providing failure prone locations was established.