The extrusion process is a very complex process due to the number of process parameters that are associated with it which are prone to high fluctuations. The main purpose of this work is to determine the realistic extrusion process parameters in the thermoplastic extrusion process in Nigeria cable manufacturing industries with the use of an artificial neural network. Conventionally, the use of trial and error technique which involves full-size experiments is generally used to determine the process parameters in the thermoplastic extrusion process. This conventional technique is expensive and it is also time-consuming. The use of an artificial neural network to predict extrusion process parameters before plant execution will make extrusion process operations more efficient. This technique also bridges the gap that exists between theoretical analysis and real manufacturing system because real manufacturers' data was used. The neural network was developed in a MATLAB environment and was trained with a supervised learning method based on Levenberg Marquardt Algorithm and the developed ANN model is capable of predicting manufacturing process parameters for different grades of PVC thermoplastic material.
PurposeThe limited supply of fossil fuels, constant rise in the demand of energy and the importance of reducing greenhouse emissions have brought the adoption of renewable energy sources for generation of electrical power. One of these sources that has the potential to supply the world’s energy needs is the ocean. Currently, ocean in West African region is mostly utilized for the extraction of oil and gas from the continental shelf. However, this resource is depleting, and the adaptation of ocean energy could be of major importance. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the possibilities of ocean-based renewable energy (OBRE) and analyze the economic impact of adapting an ocean energy using a thermal gradient (OTEC) approach for energy generation.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is conducted from the perspective of cost, energy security and environmental protection.FindingsThis study shows that adapting ocean energy in the West Africa region can significantly produce the energy needed to match the rising energy demands for sustainable development of Nigeria. Although the transition toward using OBRE will incur high capital cost at the initial stage, eventually, it will lead to a cost-effective generation, transmission, environmental improvement and stable energy supply to match demand when compared with the conventional mode of generation in West Africa.Practical implicationsThis study will be helpful in determining the feasibility, performance, issues and environmental effects related to the generation and transmission of OBRE in the West Africa region.Originality/valueThe study will contribute toward analysis of the opportunities for adopting renewable energy sources and increasing energy sustainability for the West Africa coast regions.
Power rationing has become the bane of the Nigerian power sector, plunging the nation into prolonged periods of darkness and costing about 2.5 percent of her GDP annually. Although, installed generating capacity is almost 13 GW, the situation worsened by an overdependence on thermal and hydro generation, high losses, and a poor tariff structure. In the face of these challenges, Nigeria seeks to achieve universal access by 2030 with sustainable power having a share of 30 per cent in her energy mix. Despite the existence of frameworks supporting this target, Nigeria’s policies are still weak; indicated by her low Regulatory Indicator for Sustainable Energy (RISE) score of 30. To reach universal access by 2030 and fulfil SDG 7; Nigeria needs the right mix of policies. This study aims to review, draw lessons from the successful and unsuccessful implementation of similar policies in five countries and give recommendations.
The present Nigerian transmission network is faced with the difficulty of evacuating and dispatching reliable and quality electricity supply and simultaneously maintaining an operational standard of security to prevent any collapses. Therefore, this study developed a novel technique to optimize electrical current flow to provide indepth research and analysis of current flowing in the transmission network circuit prone to danger during short-circuit faults. The research methodology involved the generation of unbalanced short-circuit calculations at every single node of the three-phase network using the symmetrical component method. Numerical simulation of different types of unbalanced short-circuit fault into the entire 330kV transmission network using unbalanced fault algorithms written in a flexible MATLAB program environment is also performed on every bus. The influence of these short-circuit faults is examined on the generated spectrum of line current magnitude. This study then generates a series of unbalanced current circuit and line losses analysis that unveils the different scenarios regarding existing network performance. The method adopted is promising. It established the most critical lines (about 20) with high unbalanced current magnitudes and high line losses during the disturbance. Based on the result analysis, four (quad) bundles of conductors is designed as a proposed modification to the upgrade of all critical double circuit lines and the conversion of single critical lines on the 330kV transmission network to improve the power transfer capability and also meet the future transmission network development plan. Furthermore, recommendations that are considered desirable in this study are proffered to ensure acceptable power quality and security in the network.
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