FABRICATION

This project focuses on the design and fabrication of a hybrid (solar–electric) dryer for agricultural materials. The aim is to develop a low-cost and efficient drying system that utilizes both solar and electrical energy to ensure continuous operation under varying weather conditions. The dryer was designed with major components, including a solar collector, drying chamber, heating element, and forced draft fan powered by both photovoltaic and electrical sources. Locally available materials such as sheet metal, glass, insulation, and mild steel were used in the fabrication process to promote affordability and sustainability. Performance tests were carried out using cassava chips as the sample material, and relevant parameters such as temperature variation, drying time, and moisture reduction were recorded. Results showed that the hybrid dryer achieved faster and more uniform drying compared to traditional open-sun drying. The system proved reliable, environmentally friendly, and capable of maintaining operation during periods of low sunlight. This innovation demonstrates a practical approach to reducing post- harvest losses and improving the preservation of agricultural produce in regions with inconsistent power supply

The multipurpose pounding machine was designed with the aim of increasing the range of food that can be processed by the traditional pounding machines while making it compact enough to fit within standard kitchen spaces and portable enough to be moved around easily. It was designed to perform the cooking and pounding of yam, fufu, amala, wheat and yam flour (poundo). The machine was fabricated using stainless steel, mild steel, Bolts and nuts, Screws. The Components of the machine are the beater, the pounding bowl, the steaming pot, the shaft, the heating element, electric motor, contactor, and temperature contoller. After fabrication, the machine was able to cook the various food via the heating element which has a rating of 700watts and pound with the help of an electric motor having a rating of 12v, 500watts that transmits power (via rotary motion) through the shaft to the beaters. The result from the testing showed that the pounding machine produced hygienic products with acceptable texture and consistency.This makes the machine a good home appliance for safe and effective for making pounded yam and other types of swallow.

Incubation systems are essential tools in modern poultry farming, requiring a stable and consistent thermal environment for successful hatching. One of the major challenges limiting the application and efficacy of conventional electric incubators in remote or rural areas is their high energy consumption and reliance on an unstable power supply. This study is centered on investigating the design, fabrication, and performance of a solar-powered egg incubator as a sustainable and reliable alternative to improve poultry productivity in areas with unreliable electricity access. The equipment used for fabrication includes various thermal and electronic components such as PV solar panels, a charge controller, a DC heating element, and temperature and humidity sensors. The incubator prototype was constructed using insulating materials(wood) to minimize heat loss. The system was tested by monitoring and controlling critical incubation parameters, including temperature regulation using a microcontroller and relative humidity. Performance tests were carried out over a standard 21-day incubation period using a batch of fertile chicken eggs, and the resulting data was analyzed and compared against standard industry hatching rates. From the results obtained in this study and the analysis of the performance tests, the solar- powered incubator successfully maintained the desired temperature range of 37.5⁰C to 38⁰C throughout the testing period, demonstrating high thermal stability. The system attained the requirements for a functional incubator, and the average for commercially available electric incubators. Furthermore, the solar-powered incubator system demonstrated a significant reduction in recurring electricity consumption compared to electric models, confirming its viability as an efficient and sustainable solution for poultry farmers.

The development of a prototype hovercraft represents a comprehensive effort to design, fabricate, and test a versatile transportation solution capable of traversing water, land, and marshy terrain. This final year project, carried out by the author to fulfill the requirements for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, aimed to address the challenges of stability, maneuverability, and energy efficiency inherent in hovercraft technology while exploring opportunities for innovation and optimization. The prototype hovercraft was designed with a focus on achieving reliable performance, efficient propulsion, and a durable skirt system to maintain the air cushion necessary for lift. Through iterative design iterations, material selection, and fabrication processes, a small-scale hovercraft prototype was constructed, integrating advanced battery technology, a lightweight aluminum structure, and an optimized skirt design. Extensive testing and evaluation were conducted to assess the craft's capabilities across various operating conditions, including waterborne navigation, maneuvering on land, and stability in challenging environments. The successful testing of the prototype demonstrated its potential for applications in search and rescue, transportation, and environmental monitoring. However, limitations such as limited battery life and skirt design inefficiencies were identified, suggesting areas for further research and optimization. Overall, the project represents a significant step towards advancing hovercraft technology and its practical applications in addressing transportation challenges across diverse terrains.

In Nigeria today and in the world at large, PET bottle waste has grown to become hazardous as it constitutes part of the non-biodegradable waste. Hence, recycling becomes necessary to curb its menace. This project work is centered on designing and fabricating a PET bottle crushing machine from locally sourced materials for both home and industrial use in an attempt to proffer solution to the PET waste problem in Nigeria. Preliminary tests and mechanical factors were extensively evaluated on the conceptual designs to ensure that the design that most suits the purpose was selected and detail design was carried out. Experiment to determine the power required to overcome the shear resistance of the PET bottles was carried out and it was discovered that 10hp at 450N was the power required. Finite element analysis was also performed on the cutting blade to inspect the materials response to stresses and the corresponding deformation. Furthermore, a design study was carried out in order to ascertain the minimum and maximum loads that can be handled. Tests carried out on the machine showed its efficiency to be 82.2% which is only 6% less than the efficiency of foreign counterparts.