Development of a web-based single-phase load monitoring and auditing system

In a developing nation like Nigeria, the conventional load monitoring and billing system has proved to be tedious, time-consuming, expensive, and prone to human error over the years. Therefore, this creates the need for an efficient system that can assist the Utility to monitor the energy consumption trend of the customers remotely. This work developed a web-based single-phase load monitoring and auditing system using NodeMCU (ESP8266) microcontroller, PZEM-004T sensor, and liquid crystal display (LCD) module for the hardware unit and Blynk internet of things (IoT) platform for the software unit. The system design was implemented around the ESP8266 microcontroller with relevant design models, and standard power and energy equations programmed into the microcontroller in the Arduino integrated development environment. The developed system was load tested to examine its performance and determine its reading error. The hardware and software units of the system operated satisfactorily when tested. The reading accuracy for current and voltage measured by the device were ±0.2% and ±0.4%, respectively, giving a reading error of ±0.8% for power measurement. The developed system is suitable for residential, commercial, and similar applications where the energy usage trend of some small loads is required for management purposes

Development of a microcontroller based automobile speed limiting device and alarm control system

Road accident due to overspeeding is a common occurrence in a developing nation such as Nigeria. Therefore, the need for a device capable of notifying a vehicle driver when the allowed speed limit of an area is exceeded arises. In this work, a microcontroller based automobile speed limiting device and alarm control system was designed and developed. The core components employed for the system design include Arduino Nano microcontroller, 1602 liquid crystal displays (LCD) module, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), buzzer, 18650 battery, I2C, infrared detectors and push buttons. Data gathering and circuit designs were implemented with microcontroller as focal point using suitable design models. Performance test was carried out on the developed system and the device’s reading error was determined. The developed automobile speed limiting device and alarm control system was functional and performed satisfactorily during testing. The reading error of the device was evaluated as 5.83%. The developed speed limiting device, apart from being suitable and efficient for vehicle speed measurement, could also be deployed for general applications requiring speed measurement

Development of a Hybrid Solar-Dynamo Powered Charging System

The extension of Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) to rural and semi-urban dwellers, who are predominantly farmers, is geared towards enhancing economic growth of the rural communities. Unfortunately, majority of these rural and urban communities do not have access to basic electricity supply needed to power mobile phone chargers. An indigenous technology which uses Solar– Dynamo Power that harnesses the energies in sun and bicycle pedals to generate electricity is presented in this paper. In this work, a dynamo mounted on the rear wheel of an adult size bicycle, is actuated through pedaling the bicycle. The dynamo converts the mechanical power generated by the peddler to electrical power. The electric power produced is processed for voltage rectification and voltage regulation to charge a battery which would supply the utilities for mobile phone recharging and illumination. A 2Wpeak solar powered system was also incorporated into the design as a back up to charge the battery when the bicycle is not pedaled. The speed selection, solar power sizing and the switching mechanism are also presented. The supply circuits (rectification and regulation) and the Switching Control were implemented and simulated via Livewire and Proteus 8.0. The dynamo was modelled at different AC voltages and corresponding frequencies were obtained. The dynamo output voltage for the required regulated output of 5V (DC) and the time required were obtained. A full day test was also carried out to determine selection switch mechanisms between solar and dynamo circuits. The minimum pedaling speed for charging of the battery for the chosen size of the bicycle was also determined

Development of a 12-V Hybrid Powered Rechargeable Lighting System with Intruder Detection and Mobile Phone Charging Units

The availability of stable, reliable, and low-cost electricity is one of the key indices for measuring the socioeconomic growth of any nation globally. However, in a developing economy such as Nigeria, marred by insufficient electricity generation, load shedding, and frequent power outage are common occurrences hindering some basic domestic functions, including lighting and charging, among others, to be performed. Therefore, an alternative solution that can serve as a backup for the conventional electricity supply system becomes imperative. This work developed a 12-V hybrid-powered rechargeable lighting system with intruder detection and USB ports for mobile phone charging. The basic components used in the system development are Arduino Nano (ATMega328) microcontroller, GSM (SIM900D) module, Passive Infra-Red (PIR) sensors, light bulbs, mini 12 V lead-acid battery, and 12 V, 20 W solar panel. Using relevant design equations, circuit designs and data processing were implemented around the ATMega328 microcontroller. The developed system was tested, and the output voltages of the lighting and charging units and the functionality of the intruder detection unit were determined. The developed hybrid-powered rechargeable lighting system operated satisfactorily during testing. The lighting and charging units were functional, giving 12 and 5 V output voltages, respectively. The intruder detection unit was active, producing a buzzing sound and sending an SMS alert to the registered phone number on the detection of an intrusion. The developed system is useful for domestic and other similar applications

Development of a Microcontroller Based Automated Regulating System for Efficient Management of Poultry Operation

In recent times, there has been a huge demand for protein sources in a developing country such as Nigeria due to its rapidly increasing population. Poultry, from which varieties of protein sources can be derived, offers one of the major solutions to this problem. Therefore, the need for poultry farmers to put in place measures to ensure a well-controlled and conducive environment to rear birds for maximum production and efficiency arises. This work designed and developed a microcontroller-based automated regulating system to manage poultry operations effectively. The major components employed in developing the embedded system include DHT 11 sensor, Arduino UNO microcontroller with ATMEGA 328P IC chip, MQ 135 sensor, float switch, Infrared (IR) proximity sensor, buzzer, lighting (DC) bulb, 60 W AC bulb, and exhaust fans. Using relevant design models and equations, circuit designs were implemented around the Arduino UNO microcontroller, the main element of the system's control unit. A performance test was conducted on the developed system. The test results revealed that all the embedded system's key units, including power supply, lighting, sensing, display, water, and feed level control units, were fully functional, and the overall system performance was satisfactory. Apart from being suitable and efficient for small-scale farmers to rear poultry birds, the developed automated poultry regulating system could be extended to train agricultural students on the basic rudiments such as feed, water, and environmental conditions requirements in poultry bird rearing