In a blaze of history, the Federal Polytechnic Nekede has invented a fuelless and fumeless generator. The 7.5kva generator does not run with fossil fuel and does not make much sound.
Unveiling the institution’s latest invention Friday at the new Engineering Complex, the Rector, Engr. Dr. Michael Chidiebere Arimanwa FNSE, stated that the fumeless generator is another contribution of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede aimed at solving man’s existential problems. He called on relevant authorities to support the numerous inventions which the institution has been making to better the lot of the society.
Explaining the operation of the fuelless generator, the supervisor of the project, Engr. Samuel Onyenobi of the Mechanical Engineering Department stated that the fuelless generator is powered by 12 volts, 75Amp DC battery which stores chemical energy that drives the 3 horse power DC motor.
“There is a 28kg flywheel coupled to two pulleys and one of the pulleys which is driven by the flywheel turns an alternator of 7.5KVA to generate 150V AC current which is boosted to 220V using a transformer and automatic voltage regulator for stabilization of the voltage.The alternating current derived is being converted to Direct Current of 12 volts to charge battery and avoid its drain.”
The Rector thanked the department of Mechanical Engineering for coming up with an invention aimed at solving the perennial power problem in Nigeria, challenging other engineering departments to key into his administration’s vision of innovation and excellence. He also appreciated the students who came up with the idea of a fuelless generator as their project. He thereafter made useful recommendations on how the project could be made better.
Rector Arimanwa further described the invention as an “exciting thing” in an era where the cost of energy has remained unreasonably high. Thus, the poly chief described any effort to replace the utilization of fossil fuel as a welcome development.
According to him, “The world is already moving away from fossil fuel to more sustainable energy sources. Already some countries have placed a timeline within which to end the utilization of fossil fuel.”
Meanwhile, the Rector has re-emphasized the importance of polytechnic education in the country, calling on the government to increase funding to technical institutions.
“This is an opportunity to invite the Federal and State governments to increase their support to polytechnic education. The polytechnic is doing a lot in Nigeria and it is noteworthy that the Federal Polytechnic Nekede has been living up to its mandate of creating machines that can be used to solve human problems.
” We are not new in the world of inventions and we are determined to make more of them to the benefit of mankind and glory of God. With the right funding, we will produce these inventions in commercial quantities to add value to the country.”
Management staff present at the unveiling of the generator included the Deputy Rector (Academic), Dr. C.C. Onyemenonu, Deputy Rector (Administration), Dr. F.U. Ibeaja, Registrar, Mrs. E. C. Anuna, Librarian, Dr. Charles Obichere while Mrs. Ijeoma Ukwu represented the Bursar.
(C) Friday 10 February, 2023.