FABRICATION

This project addresses the critical need for efficient and accessible water pumping solutions in various applications, particularly in contexts with limited access to conventional power sources. Water pumping systems are integral to industries ranging from agriculture to disaster relief. However, challenges such as power dependency, infrastructure limitations, and environmental concerns persist. This project introduces a transformative approach by integrating a hand drill as the primary power source within a centrifugal pump system. This innovative solution leverages the portability, affordability, and versatility of this device, making it a practical and cost-effective alternative. The hand drill-powered system eliminates the reliance on electricity or fuel, enhancing accessibility in remote or emergency situations. In addition to its applicability in car washes, low volume irrigation, and medical microfluidics, this project extends its impact to various fields, including agriculture, disaster relief, and remote research stations. It offers a sustainable, portable, and environmentally responsible water pumping solution that aligns with modern needs. By combining the convenience of hand drills with the efficiency of centrifugal pumps, this project represents a significant advancement in water pumping technology.

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.

This study presents the design and fabrication of a Smart Internet of Thing (IoT)-based feul monitoring system for agricultural tractors. The system aims to improve operational efficiency, minimize fuel theft, and enhance real-time decision-making in mechanized farming. It integrates an ultrasonic fuel level sensor, NodeMCU V3microcontroller, GPS, and GSM modules to provide continuous fuel data and location tracking. Using Blynk and Thing Speak IoT platforms, real-time fuel levels, consumption trends, and geographic positions were displayed through web and mobile interfaces. Calibration and testing revealed that the system achieved high measurement accuracy with an error margin of less than ±5%, Wi-Fi data transmission latency between 6–8 seconds, and SM S alert delay of 7–12 seconds. The prototype demonstrated effective performance under field conditions, withstanding vibration, heat, and moisture without data loss. Results confirm that the developed IoT-based system is affordable, reliable, and user-friendly for small- and medium-scale farmers. It enables efficient monitoring of fuel resources, enhances accountability, and supports preventive maintenance through analytics and alert mechanisms. Overall, the system bridges the technological gap in fuel management for agricultural operations in developing regions and contributes to sustainable mechanization practices

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.

A crucible furnace is an equipment used in the foundry workshop or industry for melting metals for casting operations. They are the oldest type of melting furnaces used for melting and holding small batches of non-ferrous alloys for which a refractory crucible filled with metal is heated through the crucible wall. This paper focuses on the development of a 38-kilogram capacity LPG butane gas-fired crucible furnace used to melt aluminium metal. Drawings were produced to aid the fabrication of the furnace using a mild steel sheet while the other components needed for the fabrication were selected based on functionality, durability, availability of local materials and cost. The test was carried out on the furnace to evaluate the performance and the results obtained showed that it took the furnace 24minutes to completely melt 38kg of aluminum scrap between 630 0C to 700 0C. The heating rate is 56.110 C/min, melting rate of 1.58kg/min and a 39.6% maximum efficiency, which is quite impressive when compared with the conventional crucible furnace.

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