By Isqil Najim
The Association of professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN, Lagos Chapter, under the leadership of Engr. Atinuke Wuraola Owolabi, has recognised and celebrated 11 young female innovators as part of the activities marking 2024 innovation Month.
Entries were adjudged based on problems Identification, affordability, challenges of innovation if implemented and originality. The panel of judge was headed by Engr. Olayinka Adewumi, Ph.D. a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Lagos.
Miss Kehinde Adegboye, a 200 level Mechanical Engineering student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) along with Miss Chinaza Goodness Okpala, a 200-level Electronic and Computer Engineering student of the Lagos State University, Epe Campus, were adjudged overall winners among many entries received.
Miss Kehinde’s winning project, “Capturing of CO2 For Cooling Process.” proposed to deploy the use of CO2 as refrigerant and hence benefits the environment and also provides a robust energy source. According to her, CO2, works like any other refrigerant, it evaporates by absorbing heat, it can be compressed and condensed. It goes from a gaseous state to a liquid when it loses heat.
The pilot project is based on getting CO2 from the exhaust of a generator through some piping mechanism and transferring to a compressor that can convert the CO2 to useable gas for the refrigerator. The converter/compressor will be fixed separately from the generator.
Capturing CO2 from small engines like generators is possible, but it faces some challenges. There is also the potential for the converter to add complexity to the system, introducing potential leak points and requiring additional installation considerations. She proposed using well-insulated piping to minimize heat loss during exhaust transfer, Optimizing the converter design for handling exhaust from multiple generators; maintaining optimal temperatures and pressures in the capture system to minimize the driving force for CO2 leakage, and Choosing materials with strong CO2 binding affinity
Miss Chinaza Goodness Okpala, a 200-level Electronic and Computer Engineering student at the Lagos State University, Epe Campus, also emerged as a joint winner for her innovative idea and solution, ‘The Application of Sound As A Clean Source Of Energy’.
The project idea is based on application of vibration powered generator. Vibration-powered generators, also known as vibration energy harvesters, convert mechanical vibrations from sound into electrical energy. They’re designed to harness the kinetic energy from vibrations, movements, or shocks, and convert it into electrical energy.
Here’s how it could work; Vibration-powered generators are installed under the street lights, typically embedded in the pavement or attached to the light poles. The generators harness the kinetic energy from passing vehicles, pedestrians, or other vibrations in the environment. The generated electricity is stored in a battery or capacitor. The stored energy is used to power the street lights, either directly or through a smart power management system such as Arduino
Shortcoming: To power an entire street light system, multiple generators might be needed, and the energy storage capacity would need to be sufficient to handle variations in energy generation and demand. Despite these considerations, vibration-powered generators offer an innovative and sustainable solution for powering street lights, and their potential applications continue to expand.
Omolola Olarewaju, a Masters Programme Graduate, was adjudged third overall for her Smart Cook Stove. The Smart Cook stove, aimed to address energy challenge arising from increasing use of charcoal-fired cooking stoves by some households, to mitigate the high cost of energy.
Omolola observed that most of these stoves emit pollutants like volatile organic compounds, which pose significant health risk to users (who are mainly women) and the environment. Her project proposed implementing an AI- based and IoT system/model on the improved charcoal stoves. This will alert users when the emissions from these stoves is above the acceptable limit.
According to her, “This sustainable technology is capable of contributing towards fight against pollution. It will also give up-to-minute information about poor air quality, thereby alleviating problems or health hazards associated with pollution.”
Engr. Chinelo Okafor, developed a Python coding Textbook that serves as a fundamental Data Science Textbook aimed at secondary school students and beginners. This textbook simplifies coding and integrates Nigerian content, introducing students to potential careers in Data.
Oyindamola Deji-Agboola, a 300 Level Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Olabisi Onabanjo University submitted Smart Light & Self-Driving Cars on behalf of her team. The self-driving car with advanced obstacle-avoidance capabilities leverage on cutting-edge technologies like computer vision, machine learning, and sensor fusion.
Animashaun Samiat Ayinke, a 300 Level Mechanical Engineering at Lagos State University,Epe Campus submitted “Automated Waste Sorting Truck”. The project aims to develop a truck equipped with an automated waste sorting system. As waste is dumped into the truck, it will be immediately categorized and sorted into dedicated sections. It targets between 75 and 85% efficiency and accuracy.
Okuwobi Balikis Omolola, a 300 level Mechanical Engineering student of University of Lagos State submitted “Algae- Based Bioplastic” on behalf of her team. The project utilises a closed-loop approach, cultivating algae in controlled environments using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. The algae’s lipid content is then extracted using environmentally friendly methods, serving as feedstock for bioplastic production. Through polymerization, they converted the extracted lipids into biodegradable polymers with desirable properties such as flexibility, strength, and biodegradability. Thus Develop a sustainable and renewable alternative to traditional plastics. The bioplastics show potential for various applications, including packaging, disposable utensils, and agricultural films. This project represents a significant advancement in engineering innovation for sustainability.
Famuyide Oluwademilade Faith, a 200 Level Mechanical Engineering student of Lagos State University,Epe Campus submitted project titled “Generating Electricity Using Water Flow and Water Wheel”. The project aim to build a mini hydro-power that harnesses kinetic energy of flowing water to rotate a wheel which in turn powers an electrical generator through mechanical transmission units. Their works aim to produce a small manageable plant that power a target location.
Funmilayo Esther– (Design And Construction Of An Alarm Device That Sense Human Underwater). The project intended to ease the job of search and rescue team in event of drowning. The devise will transmit signal to appropriate station nearby. The signal will include the location of the body in the water.
Peace, Stephen Omede , 400 Level Electrical and Electronics Engineering of University of Nigeria, NSUKKA,proposes Harnessing The Power Of Solar And Wind Energy Using IOT For Sustainable Electricity Provision.
Ajileye Favor, a 300 Level Electronic and Computer Engineering, Lagos State University, Epe Campus submitted a project titled: “Construction Of And Underwater Solid Mat Using Urethane And Silicone Plastic s/Rubbers Five Feet Below Water”
Commenting, the chairman of the Chapter, Engr Atinuke Wuraola Owolabi said she was impressed by the array of innovations on display. She added that April has truly been an inspiring month for female engineers and female engineering students.
“The Innovation Month showcased the hidden talents of our community, with our young engineers and collegiate members presenting groundbreaking ideas and solutions to critical problems of the society.” She said.
She praised the unwavering support and dedication of the APWEN Lagos Technical team, Excos, Collegiate, Young Engineers, Elders, members and STEM Committee. for the success of the event.
“By nurturing creativity and empowering the next generation, we’re shaping a brighter future for our country and our girls to make lasting impact that stand them out anywhere in the world.” She said.
