MACHINE

Cobwebs are a common nuisance in both residential and commercial spaces, often requiring manual removal that can be time-consuming and tedious especially hard to reach corners. This project focuses on the development of an efficient and cost- ffective cobweb remover using locally available materials like electric motor (rotational motion), brush (removal of the cobweb), Rechargeable Battery (as the power source) and telescopic pole (for high buildings). The primary objective is to design a device that simplifies the process of cobweb removal while minimizing the need for expensive or specialized equipment providing 75% efficiency. The outcome of this project is an innovative cobweb remover that is not only effective but also accessible to a wide range of users, including homeowners, cleaning services, and facility managers. By utilizing locally sourced materials and promoting sustainable design, this project contributes to eco-friendly cleaning practices while improving the quality of life for individuals in various environments. It was successfully fabricated and our results were compared with the traditional methods. And it was observed that the cobweb remover has an efficiency of 78% while the traditional method of removing cobweb was 60.7% which shows that the design is more efficient and reliable.

As global engineering practice increasingly prioritizes the elimination of greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution, the development of renewable energy-powered equipment represents a critical pathway toward sustainable industrial operations. This project focuses on the design and fabrication of a solar-powered grain grinding machine that harnesses photovoltaic technology to provide an off-grid, zero-emission solution for agricultural processing in rural areas where conventional electricity supply is unreliable and diesel-powered alternatives contribute significantly to carbon emissions and operational costs. The system employs a 350W brushless DC (BLDC) motor operating at 24V and 1500 RPM, powered by a 200W monocrystalline solar panel with battery backup comprising two 12V lead- acid batteries connected in series. A pulse width modulation charge controller regulates the charging process while providing comprehensive battery protection. The mechanical subsystem features a food-grade stainless steel hopper feeding into a burr-type grinding mechanism with 80mm diameter hardened steel grinding plates, enabling adjustable fineness control for various grain types. Power transmission from the motor to the grinding shaft is achieved through a universal joint coupling, with the complete assembly mounted on a fabricated mild steel frame. System performance analysis reveals a comprehensive energy conversion pathway from solar input to mechanical grinding output. The electrical subsystem demonstrates strong efficiency with the PWM charge controller achieving approximately 78% efficiency and the BLDC motor operating at 85-90% electrical-to-mechanical conversion efficiency. The mechanical drivetrain, comprising the universal joint, bearings, and shaft assembly, maintains approximately 85% transmission efficiency. These results in a net system operational efficiency of approximately 58% from battery DC output to mechanical grinding power. Under typical operating conditions, the system delivers approximately 315-320W of net mechanical grinding power from the 350W motor rating, accounting for motor efficiency and mechanical losses. Performance testing validated a grinding throughput of 5.0-10.0kg/hr for various grain types including tomatoes, pepper, millet etc with an estimated Specific Energy Consumption (SEC) of approximately 42Wh/kg. Environmental benefits include zero operational carbon emissions, elimination of air and reduced noise pollution, and contribution to sustainable rural development. The system eliminates recurring fuel costs associated with diesel generators, reduces monthly operating expenses for minimal maintenance, and provides payback periods of 1-3 months for small-scale commercial users.

Melon seed is an important oil seed crop which serves several food purposes. Shelling of this crop is vital, prior to its vast applications. To address the challenges associated with shelling melon, a design for shelling melon seeds on a small scale was presented and evaluated. Parameters evaluated include shelling efficiency, percentage seed shelled and damaged, throughput and machine capacity.The machine was constructed using locally available materials and consists of a hopper, frame, shelling and cleaning unit. Shelling operation was carried using melon seeds of three different moisture contents(6.99, 11.90and18.32%) and at different shelling speeds of 1500 and 1450rpm, while performance evaluation were evaluated. Results obtained showed that shelling speed of 1500rpm for seed A has the best average shelling efficiency of 53.75% and least percentage seed damage of 22.6%, compared to shelling speed of 2500rpm seed B which had average shelling efficiency of 37%. This design and set of conditions selected were the most preferred because of the low-cost, rapid operation, lesser seed damage and minimal human energy expenditure. The melon seed sheller is user friendly, does not require skilled labour. The equipment design was found suitable for rural development.

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) remains a major staple and economic crop in Nigeria, where it serves as a vital source of food and income. However, traditional yam processing methods involving manual pounding are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and unhygienic, making them unsuitable for large-scale or commercial production. This study focuses on the design, fabrication, and performance evaluation of an automated yam blending machine with an emphasis on minimizing material leakage—a common limitation in existing models. The machine was designed using mechanical and food engineering principles to achieve efficient blending through an electrically powered motor, stainless-steel blending chamber, and an effective sealing system that prevents leakage. Locally sourced materials were used to enhance affordability and promote indigenous technology. Performance evaluation showed that the machine successfully pounded 500 g of boiled yam within an average of 2.7 minutes, achieving an output efficiency of 97% and a throughput capacity of 16.18 kg/hr