Simulink and Simelectronics based Position Control of a Coupled Mass-Spring Damper Mechanical System

This paper presents the use of Simelectronics Program for modeling and control of a two degrees-of freedom coupled mass-spring-damper mechanical system.The aims of this paper are to establish a mathematical model that represents the dynamic behaviour of a coupled mass-spring damper system and effectively control the mass position using both Simulink and Simelectronics.The mathematical model is derived based on the augmented Lagrange equation and to simulate the dynamic accurately a PD controller is implemented to compensate for the oscillation sustained by the system as a result of the complex conjugate pair poles near to the imaginary axis.The input force has been subjected to an obstacle to mimic actual challenges and to validate the mathematical model a Simulink and Simelectronics models were developed, consequently, the results of the models were compared. According to the result analysis, the controller tracked the position errors and stabilized the positions to zero within a settling time of 6.5sec and significantly reduced the overshoot by 99.5% and 99. 7% in Simulink and Simelectronics respectively. Furthermore, it is found that Simelectronics model proved to be capable having advantages of simplicity, less time-intense and requires no mathematical model over the Simulink approach

Modular Principles for Flexibility of Spaces in Skill Acquisition Centres, Benue State

The design of skill centre around the country is such that they are specific to particular skill type and usually the buildings cannot be used for another activity. The need to use spaces for multiple functions has ensured that flexible spaces in skill acquisition centres are designed such that the spaces can easily be varied into smaller discrete and scalable sizes. This paper examined the interior spaces for pedagogical and didactic activities in six selected skills acquisition centres in Benue state. The issue of the rigidity of spaces occurring as product of the building design which is meant to serve a required function usually ensures that spaces are less flexible and in many cases unusable for other functions. The aim of the study is to examine the flexibility nature of skill centres with a view to determining functions that could be combined. A post occupancy evaluation was carried out using a mix method approach through the use of observation checklist and questionnaire. The issues examined include the various sizes of workshop spaces, walling materials used to enclose spaces, the degree of flexibility of both spaces and materials based on modular principles and users' perception of satisfaction of working spaces. A total of 300 copies of questionnaires were administered to staff and students. Based on the total valid responses, 70% were not satisfied with the sizes of the working space. The resultant data obtained was analysed using descriptive statistics from SPSS. It was observed that most spaces though modular were non-flexible. Users' satisfaction with the sizes of working spaces was determined. The paper concluded on the need for the flexibility of spaces in order to accommodate varying utility.Keywords: Flexibility, Interior Spaces, Modular Space, User Satisfaction, Working Spac

Internet of Things (IoT) Cloud Based Model for Low Cost Demand Side Management Infrastructure

This paper presents a model for low cost demand side management infrastructure using cloud-based technology and internet of things to facilitate the implementation of smart grid in Nigeria. The electricity market has experienced a rapid increase in demand attributed to unprecedented growth in human population, urbanization, and industrialization. Accordingly, utilities are faced with the challenge of meeting daily energy demand. Research has shown that 45% of electricity generated are wasted or cannot be accounted for. Energy management is thus a major issue affecting the power sector of Nigeria. Efficient utilization of energy is therefore crucial for sustainable development both from an economic and ecological perspective. The proposed Smart, Low Cost and IoT-enabled power distribution board can be adopted and implemented as part of energy conservation measures to reduce energy demand in domestic building and mitigate the energy crisis in the country. With the IoT based smart board energy management, users can get personalized recommendation of actions for energy conservation and load shifting, and have control over the energy use and the billing system