LAUTECH Journal of Engineering and Technology

Performance evaluation of hit frequency modulation 95.7 megahertz radio signal strength along selected routes in Benin city, Edo State, Nigeria

2025-06-21T18:44:32+00:00

The research work presents the evaluation of the performance of Hit FM 95.7Mhz radio signal strength along six selected routes in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The methodology involved the use of Tiny Spectrum Analyser to measure the signal strength at intervals of 500 meters across the routes selected in Benin City.

Production of biofertiliser from soybean cake and soypod

2025-07-11T14:06:52+00:00

Soil fertility can be improved by the use of fertilizer, which can either be of chemical or biological sources. However, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers has caused a large number of environmental pollutions in water, air and soil. This research aimed to produce organic fertilizer from soybean cake and pod using Solid State Fermentation (SSF). Soybean cake and pod samples from WASIL Oil Company, Sagamu, Nigeria underwent NaOH pretreatment for delignification. Physico-chemical parameters including temperature, TDS, moisture content, pH, phosphate, potassium, calcium, nitrate, and sulphate were analyzed using standard methods. Microbial populations were determined through agar plate and broth culturing, while SEM, FTIR, and EDX analyses were conducted on raw and pretreated samples. Results showed that for soybean cake, temperature was 28.50°C, TDS 34.9mg/l, moisture content 58.4%, pH 7.56, phosphate 2.81mg/l, potassium 2.50 mg/l, calcium 38mg/l, nitrate 2.69 mg/l, and sulphate 32mg/l. For soybean pod, values were 28.40°C, 33.1mg/l, 51.2%, 7.06, 2.90mg/l, 2.8mg/l, 41mg/l, 2.84mg/l, and 36mg/l respectively. Microbial counts for soybean cake included Salmonella (2.4 x 10?), E. coli (2.1 x 10?), Bacillus (2.7 x 10²), and Aspergillus (3.7 x 10²), while soybean pod showed Salmonella (1.9 x 10?), E. coli (2.1 x 10?), Bacillus (2.4 x 10²), and Aspergillus (3.4 x 10²). SEM revealed irregular morphological shapes at surface layers. FTIR confirmed presence of amine and carboxyl groups indicative of fertilizers, while EDX detected nitrogen, phosphorous, and other nutrients. The study concluded that SSF is suitable for producing effective and economical organic fertilizer from soybean cake.

Nutritional and antinutritional evaluation of gluten free pasta from cocoyam starch and lima bean flour

2025-07-04T12:49:04+00:00

Pasta is a wheat-based food product which has gained universal popularity in recent years due to its versatility, low cost, ease of preparation and nutritional quality. It is traditionally produced from wheat that is largely imported in Nigeria, placing a heavy burden on the dwindling financial resources of the nation. Efforts are currently being made to develop new processing techniques that can increase utilization of locally grown crops in food production in order to reduce wheat importation,. Cocoyam and lima beans are gluten free underutilized indigenous tropical crops with rich nutritional profile which can be used to replace wheat flour in pasta production. This study therefore aims at developing gluten free pasta from lima beans flour and cocoyam starch. Composite blends of pregelatinized cocoyam starch, germinated lima beans flour and xanthum gum (binder) were formulated in the following ratio: (100:0, 87.5:12:5, 75:25, 62.5:37.5 and 50:50) and used to produce pasta. The protein content of gluten free pasta ranged from 6.54 -18.82%, moisture content obtained ranged from 9.06-10.56% while the carbohydrate content ranged from 59.29-74.30%. Mineral content of gluten free pasta ranged from 61.54-108.20 mg/100g for calcium and 0.94-6.09mg/100g for iron. Lysine values increased from 2.63(100% Wheat Flour Pasta) to 3.85(50%GCS , 50% GLBF & xanthum gum) while total amino acid ranged from 53.66-83.11. The study concluded that pregelatinized cocoyam starch and germinated lima beans flour blends are effective in developing acceptable gluten free pasta

Techno-economic optimization of a standalone hybrid pv-diesel-battery system for rural electrification using genetic algorithm

2025-07-07T15:26:14+00:00

Grid extension is expensive and diesel-only generation has significant environmental downsides, making it difficult for rural Sub-Saharan Africa to obtain reliable access to electricity. The ideal stand-alone hybrid renewable energy system made up of photovoltaic (PV), diesel generator (DG), and battery storage system (BSS) for rural electrification is proposed by means of a case study of Ayeoba, Olode community, Osun State, Nigeria. After performing a detailed feasibility study using on-site weather and load data, a mathematical model for the hybrid system was developed. A genetic algorithm (GA) was then employed to fine-tune and implement the model in MATLAB R2021a to achieve the lowest Cost of Energy while achieving 0 LPSP and decreasing CO?. The optimal configuration of the PV-DG-BSS system yielded a Cost of Energy of $0.10/kWh, a Loss of Power Supply Probability of 0%, and a CO? emission reduction of 84.1905 kg/day. These results indicate that GA is a valid tool to improve hybrid energy systems for rural communities as a sustainable and cheaper solution when compared to traditional power sources. It contributes to clean energy access and a step forward for Nigeria in the achievement of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Development of an android-based energy meter reading with load control monitoring

2025-07-03T15:26:50+00:00

This paper discusses the design and implementation of an Android-based energy meter reading system with load control capabilities. The system leverages modern communication technologies for real-time energy monitoring and management, featuring automatic meter reading, remote load control, and a user-friendly interface via a smartphone application. Integrating voltage and current sensors, a relay module, and an LCD display with the ESP32 microcontroller, the system demonstrates high accuracy and reliability in energy measurement and control. Testing reveals accurate data collection, effective real-time visualization, and reliable load management. The use of Android technology and IoT platforms addresses traditional metering inefficiencies, offering significant improvements in energy management and potential cost savings. The system's robust design and user-friendly interface support its potential for broader adoption and more sustainable energy practices.