CONSTRUCTION

The rising demand for reliable electricity in regions with unstable grid power necessitates the adoption of renewable energy solutions. This project focuses on the design and construction of a 5 kVA, 48 V solar inverter system, capable of integrating solar, battery, and grid power sources for consistent and uninterrupted energy supply to domestic and small office loads. The system integrates solar photovoltaic panels, a battery bank, an MPPT charge controller, and a pure sine wave inverter. It also covers system design, component selection, fabrication, installation, and performance evaluation, with considerations for efficiency, safety, reliability, and cost effectiveness. Experimental testing involved load consumption analysis, continuity and polarity tests, inverter performance evaluation, battery charge–discharge assessment, and protective device verification. The inverter demonstrated a stable AC output voltage of 230 V ± 5 V, frequency of 50 Hz ± 1 Hz, system efficiency of approximately 89.5%, and a Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of less than 3%. Protective features such as overload, short circuit, reverse polarity, and thermal protection were verified to function effectively. Cost analysis indicated that the local construction of the system is more affordable than imported equivalents, while environmental evaluation highlighted reduced carbon emissions and promotion of clean energy access. The project underscores the feasibility, scalability, and socio economic benefits of solar PV systems, offering a practical framework for renewable energy adoption in rural and semi urban areas.

Inverters are electronic devices that convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) and are used in a wide range of applications, including power generation systems, renewable energy systems, and portable electronic devices. The choice of battery for an inverter is an important decision that can impact the performance and efficiency of the inverter. In this project, the aim was to specify the factors that should be considered when choosing a battery for an inverter. To achieve this goal, a literature review on inverters, batteries, and deep cycle batteries, and analyzed the available information on the performance, lifespan, and cost of different types of batteries, was conducted. Based on the review and analysis, a 65AH 24V inverter was chosen to power the inverter as it had little requirements for maintenance and met the require specifications

The determination of fluid viscosity is fundamental to understanding fluid dynamics and various engineering applications. This project focuses on the design and construction of a Poiseuille’s experimental apparatus used to determine the viscosity of water under laminar flow conditions. The apparatus consists of a large elevated reservoir connected to a cast iron chamber that maintains a constant water level, with flow regulated through a clamp valve. Water is discharged through an outlet hose and a fine capillary tube, allowing steady and measurable flow. The flow rate and pressure difference were used to evaluate the viscosity of water, and the obtained results were compared with standard reference values. The constructed apparatus demonstrated good performance and produced viscosity values that closely agreed with theoretical expectations. The success of this work confirms that a locally fabricated Poiseuille’s apparatus can serve as a reliable, low-cost, and effective tool for experimental studies of fluid viscosity in educational and research laboratories.

Induction motors, though robust, are prone to electrical and thermal stresses that can cause costly failures, while traditional protection devices are either too slow, prone to nuisance trips, or too expensive for small industries. The problem therefore lies in
the lack of an affordable, reliable, and adaptable protection system that integrates both electrical and thermal monitoring. The aim of the project is to design a micro- controller-based protection system for three-phase induction motors to detect faults
such as single-phasing, under voltage, and overheating. A functional protection system was built using the PIC16F877A micro-controller to achieve real-time monitoring and automatic motor isolation. The design employed ZMPT101B voltage sensors, an ACS712 current sensor, a DS18B20 temperature sensor, LM7805 regulator, ULN2003 driver, relay/contractor, and a 16×2 LCD. The
methodology involved circuit design and simulation, hardware assembly, and programming in Embedded C to process sensor data, and control the relay for fault response for phase failure or for temperature above 60 degrees. The performance of the system was rigorously evaluated through testing in both faulty and normal operating conditions. During fault simulation, the system
accurately identified phase loss, displaying "Phase Failure" on the LCD followed by the specific faulty phase voltages. When the motor temperature exceeded 60°C, the display indicated "Over Temp" and subsequently showed the actual real-time temperature measurement. Conversely, once the faults were cleared and the system was restored to normal operation (with phases at 220V and temperature below 60°C), the LCD confirmed that the Relay was switched ON, reconnecting the motor to the power source. Following this restoration, the system resumed its standard monitoring mode, displaying the actual temperature and operational parameters, thereby proving the system’s reliability in managing transitions between fault detection and safe recovery.

Storage and display of textiles are as important as creating the textiles it self. The longitive of textiles depends on how well it has been stored, handled and preserved, also to appreciate properly a good textile produce it has to be displayed in the right manner to be appealing to the human sense of sight. This research is aimed at tackling the problem of storage and display of textiles in the textile unit, which will help improve the lifespan of textiles produced, protecting them from factors that damage textiles and also help showcase the beautiful textiles done in the university of Benin by the textile unit of the department of fine and applied art. The major aim of this research is to provide specially adapted compartments for the display and storage of textiles through construction. The concept of the compartments are gotten from comparative studies of various display and storage compartments in art museums, galleries and other higher institutions with a textile unit. It is hoped that the specially adapted compartments for storage and display of textiles will be useful in reducing fabric damage and help display textiles properly for it's beauty to be appreciated

The device described in this study can be used in hospitals to verify prescriptions, maintain patient data, and protect patient privacy. In this study, patient databases are tracked using RFID tags and a web server. This method can prevent prescription drug abuse in addition to capturing precise and current information on patients' prescriptions. Real-time patient data can assist clinicians in reducing medication errors and provide the best care possible. In this paper, a medical mechanism that uses the modified grouping proof process is suggested in order to improve medication safety for inpatients. The medical staff could verify the authenticity and integrity of a group of Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags that are embedded on inpatient bracelets and drug containers by using the grouping proof protocol. RFID authentication is the ideal option for automated patient medication systems since it requires mutual authentication between the medication server and the tag.

In this project, a 2KVA hybrid pure sine wave inverter with battery charging and monitoring system was designed and constructed. The inverter circuit was designed using a power transformer rated at 2.5KVA. The DC voltage source is a battery bank rated at 24V. A high performance microcontroller (DSPic30f2010) with advanced switching and control ability was used. The inverter system doubles as an inverter and a battery charger. Pulse width modulation technique was used in the inverter design. The inverter circuit was designed, constructed and tested. It performed satisfactorily with different house appliances such as electric fans, ulbs, refrigerator, etc

The construction industry faces increasing challenges in achieving sustainable, ecofriendly practices while meeting the growing demand for housing. This research project explores the viability of rammed earth as a substitute replacement for sandcrete and concrete in building construction in Ekosodin, Edo State, Nigeria. Rammed earth, an ancient construction material requiring special technique, offers significant potential for sustainable building due to its low environmental impact, availability of raw materials, and thermal mass properties. The research will encompass a comprehensive analysis of rammed earth's structural performance, thermal efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in the context of Edo State's climate and local construction practices. By examining the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of rammed earth construction, this research aims to provide valuable insights and recommendations for promoting its adoption as a sustainable building material in Edo State, ultimately contributing to the region's sustainable development goals.

This study investigates rammed earth as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional construction materials in Edo State, Nigeria. With rising cement costs, high carbon emissions from concrete production, and an increasing housing deficit, there is urgent need for affordable, eco-friendly building solutions. Rammed earth—a technique involving compaction of soil, sand, clay, and stabilizers into formwork—offers low embodied energy, excellent thermal mass, and utilization of locally available materials. A questionnaire-based research design was employed, targeting architects, quantity surveyors, civil engineers, and students within Benin City. Out of 75 questionnaires distributed, 60 responses were received, yielding an 80% response rate. Findings revealed that 60.75% of respondents were unfamiliar with rammed earth technology, indicating a significant awareness gap. However, 64.1% agreed that rammed earth contributes to sustainable building practices, with 69.25% recognizing its use of local materials and 52.8% acknowledging its energy efficiency. Key
challenges identified included lack of skilled labor, limited public awareness, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and concerns about climate suitability. Despite these barriers, 46.1% of respondents expressed optimism about its future adoption in mainstream construction. The study concludes that rammed earth is a viable, durable, and sustainable material for residential construction in Edo State. Recommendations include increasing public and professional awareness, integrating rammed earth construction into academic curricula, developing standardized building codes, and encouraging its adoption through policy support and demonstration projects.

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