Arid Zone Journal of Engineering, Technology and Environment (AZOJETE)
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Optimal Load Scheduling of Power Plants in a Grid Considering the Plant’s Capacity and Line Losses
Get PDFIn a grid or part of a grid operated by a single service provider with various types of power plants, the total load demand on the grid can be serviced by the plants’ outputs in such a way that a minimum cost of energy is spent to generate this total demanded load thereby maximizing profit for the service providers without placing exorbitant tariff on customers. This paper considered how this can be archived in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria (as a case study). We assumed that the power generated by the plants in the region is also consumed by the region. Using the Lagrnge multiplier optimization method in our analysis and for a total power demand/generation of , a total of of fuel will be burnt. But with the system of running cost minimization developed in this paper, only about of fuel was burnt in generating that same quantity of power demanded resulting in a net savings of . This is equivalent to ; with energy sold at ₦48/kWh in Nigeria, a total of ninety-eight thousand, seven hundred and thirty-six Naira (₦98,736.00) only will be saved each hour resulting in a net savings of eight hundred and sixty-four million, nine hundred and twenty-seven thousand, three hundred and sixty naira (₦864,927,360.00) only per annum. This is, therefore, recommended for implementation in running Nigeria’s power system.
 
Performances of Metal Oxides Supported in Monolith for Combined SO2/NOx removal from Flue Gas
Get PDFThe emission of acid gases such SO2 and NOx have detrimental effects on human beings and the environment hence, removing them from flue gas in a dry adsorption process is desirable. In this work, carbon monolith was synthesized with various metals consisting of CeO2, Co3O4, V2O5, and CuO by deposition precipitation, hydrothermal and wet pore volume impregnation synthesis techniques. The fixed bed adsorption activity test was carried out with flue gas production by coal burning. Furthermore, the breakthrough curves of the adsorbents were investigated where the adsorbent developed via hydrothermal technique with Co3O4 metal oxide termed as HM-Co3O4 /CM displayed higher adsorption capacity for both SO2 (103.9 mg/g) and NOx and (106.6 mg/g). The Langmuir model can best describe the experimental data based on the correlation coefficient and separation factor results. These results implied that the developed adsorbent can be potentially used in the industry for flue gas cleaning.
 
Extraction and Geo-Referencing Suburban Locations of Terroristic Attacks from Textual Data of Maiduguri Insurgency
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Geophysical Mapping of Aquifer Potential Zones Using Hydraulic Parameters in Lokoja and Environs, North-Central, Nigeria
Get PDFThis research is aimed at delineating the groundwater potential in Lokoja and environs using Dar Zarrouk parameters. The study area is part of the Basement Complex of South-western Nigeria and the Lokoja sub-basin of the middle Niger sedimentary basin, on area coverage of about 400km2. Thirty-five (35) vertical electric soundings (VES) using Schlumberger array method with the aid of ABEM Signal Averaging System (SAS) Terrameter were used for the data acquisition. The result of the interpretation shows four geo-electric layers. The resistivity soundings results revealed that about 4 curve types were identified in the study area namely AA, HA, A and H type with the lithologic layers varying from 3 to 4 and consisting of varying resistivity and thicknesses across each VES point. The geo-electric sections revealed that the major aquifer systems in the study area are weathered basement and weathered/fractured basement. The longitudinal conductance computed that range from 0.00904951 to 0.7814713 Ω-1indicates that the aquifers in the area have poor to moderate protective capacity whereas transverse resistance that range from 24.5841 to 7290.15Ω indicates very low groundwater development class. Hydraulic conductivity with a range of 0.36757M/day to 56.86754M/day and transmissivity values with a range of 4.4548 to 917.273M2 /day indicate very low to moderate aquifer capable of sustaining moderate communities.
 
Analytical Determination of Queueing System Performance for Sustainable Economic Development
Get PDFThe increase in land travel demand over the years which poses a challenge in managing the high influx of people and goods into urban centres and cities such as Abuja, Calabar, Lagos, Kano, and Kaduna, Nigeria has led to queues in security check points. This study determines a mathematical model for analysing queueing system performance measures using the data obtained from Kugbo check-point, Abuja Keffi Highway. The service time data and system settings are used to choose the M/M/1 queueing mathematical model for a single server queueing system. According to the study, an average queue includes 3751 cars and takes 1 hour and 11 minutes to complete. An hourly queueing graph showed that on the busiest days, queue length and waiting time rose. Based on the busiest days (Mondays), an hourly queueing graph revealed that customer queueing length and waiting time is at its highest in the morning hours from 7am to 11am, and then from 4pm to 7pm. For effective and economical system management, this length of time spent on queue should be taken into account, also artificial intelligent simulation models like Netsim, SimEvent in MATLAB models are recommended for comparative studies.
 
Modelling Combustion Characteristics of some selected Nigerian Coal Samples
Get PDFCoal is one of the most abundant fossil fuel which could be utilized for electricity production using different techniques. The pulverization technique is considered in this study which involves coal combustion to release heat which can be utilised to generate steam. Grinding and drying are prior combustion processes that increases rate of reaction during combustion. This study determines the thermodynamics characteristics of coal combustion using the pulverization technique for Five Nigerian coal samples (Odagbo, Owupka, Ezimo, Amansiodo and Inyi Coal). A process based model was developed using ASPEN PLUS for a coal power plant. The mass balance and energy balance equations for the plant components was used. Emission from coal combustion was determined at different equivalence ratios of 1, 0.7, 0.5, 0.4 and 0.3 respectively. It was observed that excess air supplied reduces emissions and there is a trade-off of combustion temperature. Also, the amount of ash released is independent of the equivalence ratio. From results obtained, at stoichiometry, Owupka coal sample has the highest combustion temperature of 2005ºC and the least ash production of 1.3kg/s while Inyi coal has the least combustion temperature of 1779ºC and the highest ash production of 18.8kg/s. Therefore, Owupka coal is recommended for use as it has the highest efficiency when used in combustion. Also, to improve the efficiency of Inyi coal sample, it is recommended to be mixed with high efficiency coals like Owupka.
 
Comparative Analysis and Simulation of the d-q Reference Frame Model of the Three Phase Induction Motor and its Modification
No full textInduction motors play an important role in residential, commercial, and industrial centers around the globe. They are rugged, reliable in operation and require low maintenance. The dynamic models of these motors are typically employed to understand their behavior in transient, steady state and under dynamic conditions. Several models of the three-phase induction motor exist in literature, but this paper proposes an alternative to the standard d-q reference frame model of the symmetrical three phase induction motor. The proposed model is obtained by modifying the standard model in a way in which the d-axis of the reference frame is aligned with the rotor flux vector. The alignment decouples the q-axis component from the d-axis component of the stator current using the vector control technique. The model is analyzed in the synchronous reference frame and then a dynamic simulation is performed. A comparison between the standard d-q reference frame model and the proposed model was performed. The simulation showed identical results of motor speed, torque and flux behavior for the two models. The difference between the two models manifests in their alternate characteristics for the d-q axes voltages and currents. It was observed that the magnitudes of the d-axis and q-axis voltages for the standard model are equal to the peak value of the applied phase voltages and zero respectively. However, the results of the proposed model revealed otherwise. Furthermore, it was observed that the d-q axis voltages and currents of the proposed model exhibit oscillations during motor acceleration time because of the dynamics of alignment but attain constant values during the time that motor speed is constant. The proposed model is easier to solve because the rotor dynamics are described by one equation instead of two equations as in the case of the standard d-q reference frame model
Involvement of the General Public in the Management of Water Pollution in Johor Bahru Malaysia
Get PDFWater is undoubtedly the most delicate component of the ecosystem, but it is essential for human and industrial advancement. As the population grows, so does the demand for water supplies and drinkable water. Water covers roughly 71percent of the total earth’s surface and highly vital natural resource for humans. However, only 2.5 percent of the world's water is pure and thus drinkable. It is everyone's fundamental human right to have access to clean water. The purpose of this study is: to identify the current level of public involvement in water pollution management and to assess people's desire to participate towards reducing water pollution. The study's methodology is a quantitative approach for achieving the research objectives. A total of sixty-three (63) responses were reordered from the distribution of the questionnaires. The data collected were analysed using Microsoft Excel (2019) and simple percentage distribution tables and charts. The findings revealed that most of the participants have sewerage connections in their residences and that the water quality of their rivers is acceptable for majority of the participants. The study also indicated that water pollution is a grave concern for environmental and social health. In addition, it was observed that community involvement in water pollution decision-making processes was currently low on average, implying that authorities still have room to improve concerning water pollutant information delivery. Majority of respondents agreed that investing more money in water and waste management, and educating the public, are strategies to enhance water quality. Eventually, the findings revealed that the general public is enthusiastic about taking part in the fight against water pollution and are ready to participate in water pollution management in their community. The study recommends building a solid foundation to allow greater public involvement in decision-making and to enacting strict water pollution control policy.
 
Proximate Composition, Functional, and Sensory Properties of Kadal (Fermented Grain Flour) Produced from whole and decorticated Maize and Pearl Millet Grains
Get PDFKadals are normally prepared from fermented cereal grains and the kadal flours are usually transformed into stiff dough called tuwo and consumed as staple food in many West African countries. Pearl millet (Mi) and maize (Mz) grains were decorticated and each of them was divided into four portions. The first portion was unfermented and the other portions were soaked in water separately for 48h (K2), for 72h (K3) and 96h (K4). Four portions each of whole maize and millet were subjected to the same soaking time, respectively. At the expiration of soaking time, each portion was washed, thoroughly rinsed, sun dried, milled and sieved to produce kadal flours. The unfermented whole and decorticated millet and maize flours served as the experimental controls. The functional properties and proximate compositions of twenty samples were evaluated using standard procedures and the organoleptic properties of the tuwo (kadal dough) prepared from them were evaluated without soup, and with okro soup. Results revealed significant variations (p<0.05) existed in the functional properties and proximate composition of kadal flours as well as the sensory attributes of the tuwo. Wettability of the kadal flours improved with soaking time, water absorption capacities decreased with fermentation time, as well as bulk densities though marginally. Dispersibility of the kadal flours were generally high (70.50-77%) and no significant difference was observed. Ash, protein and fat contents of the whole grain kadal flours were higher than that of decorticated, and there was slight decrease in these nutrients with soaking time. Again, moisture and carbohydrate were lower in whole grain kadal flours than in decorticated counterparts. On sensory attributes of the various tuwo produced, colour improved with soaking time more in the decorticated millet kadals. Decorticated millet had greater desirable flavor, which was not significantly different from that of whole millet kadals. Texture of 4th day kadal tuwo was better, with whole millet kadal tuwo rated better than that of the decorticated, unlike the texture of maize kadal tuwo. Control tuwo in general had poorer flavour, colour, texture and taste. The overall acceptability of the kadal tuwo was generally higher than the control. Millet kadal tuwo progressively improved with soaking time. The bottom line was that nutritional values were sacrificed to the improvement of sensory properties of the prepared kadal flours.
 
Determination of the physico-mechanical properties of three cultivars of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) grain
Get PDFThis study evaluated the physico-mechanical properties of IT89KD-288, Ife brown, and IT98K-573-1-1 varieties of cowpea. The cowpeas were obtained from local farmers in different parts of North Eastern Nigeria. The crop varieties were identified, sundried and cleaned before testing. The results for length, width, thickness, equivalent diameter, arithmetic diameter, sphericity, surface area, volume, mass, angle of repose, frictional angle, and bulk density were obtained at pre-determined moisture contents. Other results for IT98K-573-1-1 seed-chaff ratio, pod angle of internal friction, hardness, compressive force in the major, intermediate and minor axes, shear force in the major, intermediate and minor axes are 4.0±0.18, 44.4±1.0o, 1.46±0.0.99 kgf/mm2, 62.0±6.5 N, 38.3±1.6 N, 81.0±11.7 N, 61.0±4.74 N, 45.1±2.4 N, and 76.5±9.8 N respectively. There was significant difference between the physical and gravimetric properties of IT89KD-288, Ife brown, and IT98K-573-1-1 varieties of cowpea.