Institution Based Research (IBR) Research Proposal

Principal Researcher / Investigator

Name: Engr. A. AKINSADE put your specialisation in bracket
Institution: Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Telephone no: 07032839980
E-mail Address: a.akinsade@oaustech.edu.ng , oredynasty@gmail.com
Co-researcher (s) (if any)
1. Engr. Prof. A. O. AKINOLA (Professor, MEE Dept., OAUSTECH) put specialisation
2. Engr. J. F. Eiche (LII, MEE Dept., OAUSTECH) put specialisation
3. M. O. Famodun (Technologist II, MEE Dept., OAUSTECH)
Project Title:
Development of Motor Cycle Mounted Solar-Powered Cold Room
Executive Summary:
The dearth of energy supply in developing countries is worrisome, and this has made the preservation
and transportation of medical and perishable food items a common problem (Akinola et. al., 2015)
Most conventional refrigeration systems operate with electricity; however, there are regions where it
is difficult or not cost efficient to provide electric service. In addition, the cost of generating
electricity is high, both economically and ecologically (Hector et. al, 1993)

Electricity where available is epileptic; and some villages had never enjoyed electricity supply for
once, making the development of small economy difficult.

One of the ways out of these energy problems is the use of alternative energy sources – Renewable
energy. The most preferred choice of renewable energy considering the prevalent hot weather is the
solar energy. Solar energy can be transformed either to electricity or to heat to power a refrigeration
cycle through photovoltaic system applications. According to (Papadoupoulos et al, 2003), the most
preferred solar system in the refrigerator is photovoltaic system applications.

This research seeks to solve the problems of inconsistent and irregular power supply required to keep
food products and drugs refrigerated over a long period of time by replacing electricity from grid with
the solar power harnessed from the sun. In addition, briefly summarise what you want to do in this
section

Introduction
Energy; the ability to do work is essential to mankind as he make use of it in his daily life. It is one
of the indispensable factors for continuous development and economic growth. The demand of energy

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is increasing rapidly in the developing countries due to automation, industrialization and urbanization,
(Hasanuzzaman et. al., 2008). The growing population and technological developments have shown
that the present sources of energy in use are not adequate. The world population has increased at an
explosive rate from 1.65 billion to just over 6 billion people in the 20th century, and continues to
increase. In the same century, mankind has consumed over 875 billion barrels of oil and it is very
likely that even more oil will be consumed in the present century. Annual energy use in developing
countries has risen from 55 to 212 kg oil equivalent over the last thirty years, while developed
countries use as much as 650 kg oil equivalent per person,(Akinola et. al., 2015).

In the same vein, the prevalent hot weather throughout the year in the tropics, coupled with poor
storage facilities has brought about a heavy demand for refrigeration and air conditioning. However,
if kept below -30oC, most food will deteriorate, often with change in texture, taste and smell. More
important still, poisonous product may be produced. These changes can be due to micro-organisms
such as bacteria, yeast. Food preservation is essentially based on methods that kill micro-organisms
(such as bacteria) or at least inhibit the growth of such micro-organisms that make food unsuitable for
human consumption. Refrigeration is a method of lowering the temperature of substances below that
of the surrounding in order to preserve or make them suitable for consumption in the nearest future
(Althouse et al, 1978; Fapetu, 2002).

Problem Statement/Justification

The development of a tricycle-mounted solar-operated cold room arises from the following needs:
1. for continuous refrigeration in areas where electricity is not readily available;
2. to minimize and/or eliminate wastage of perishable food products during transportation; and
3. to preserve and transport medical items in rural areas.
Considering the fact that those in the rural areas are not connected to the power grid which makes it
impossible to enjoy the basic refrigeration that is needed to preserve their food products and vaccines,
this project is therefore necessary as it not only solves these problems, but also reduces waste,
minimizes and or eliminates environmental impact and fuel cost.

Objective(s) of the Study

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The aim of the research is to develop a tricycle-mounted solar-operated cold room.

The specific objectives are to:

1. develop a solar powered vapour compression refrigerating system;
2. mount the developed system on a tricycle; and
3. evaluate the performance of the assembled system.

Literature Review
In developed countries, methods employed for extending shelf life and minimizing post-harvest losses
of perishable produce include mechanical refrigeration, controlled atmospheres, hypobaric storage,
and other sophisticated techniques. These techniques are highly capital intensive and for most
developing countries, the required manpower is either lacking or inadequate. These cooling methods,
except adiabatic cooling, are expensive for small scale peasant farmers, retailers and wholesalers, as
they require electric power (Mogaji and Fapetu, 2011; Akinola et. al., 2008).

Electricity where available is epileptic; and some villages had never enjoyed electricity supply for
once, making the development of small economy difficult. Population growth is another crucial
factor. Energy demand is increasing proportionately to population growth. One of the ways out of
these energy problems is the use of alternative energy sources – Renewable Energy such as solar
energy. Solar energy can be transformed either to electricity or to heat to power a refrigeration cycle
through photovoltaic system applications. According to (Kim and Ferreira, 2008; Papadopoulos et.
al., 2003), the most preferred solar system in the refrigerator is photovoltaic system applications.
Axaopoulos and Theodoridis (2009) experimentally investigated a solar photovoltaic powered ice-
maker which operates without the use of batteries. It was reported that their study results have shown
very good ice-making capability and reliable operation, as well as a great improvement in the startup
characteristics of the compressors, which remain operational even during days with low solar
irradiation and operate with improved utilization of the available photovoltaic power. Fan, et al.,
(2007) published a paper on review of solar sorption refrigeration technologies: development and
applications and pointed out that solar refrigeration technologies have the advantage of removing the
majority of harmful effects of traditional refrigeration machines and that the peaks of requirements in
cold coincide most of the time with the availability of the solar radiation.

Methodology (Should include description of study area/site/subjects, data

collection and data analysis
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Break this methodology into phases and activities to be done under each phases, state who will carry
out this activity out of the researchers.

The methodology includes the following:

(i) Conceptual and detailed design of the system, which involves the mode of operation
would be carried out.
(ii) Detailed working drawings using AUTOCAD software would be done
(iii) Purchase, fabrication and assembly of the various components
(iv) Evaluation of the assembled product for performance
Results (Expected Outputs/Results)
The research is expected to produce a Tricycle-Mounted Solar-Operated cold room for use in
health facilities, as well as in rural areas for the distribution of refrigerated products
Work Plan/Time Frame (Provide activity by activity in the form of a GANTT Chart)
The work plan is represented in the Gantt chart in Table 1

Research Work Plan

Table 1: Time Schedule for the Proposed Research Project

Phase Duration Activity
I 4 weeks Literature Review and conceptual design
II 8 weeks Literature Review, Detailed Design, detailed Engineering
Drawing, detailed working drawings of component parts
III 4 weeks Literature Review, Material Selection and Procurement
IV. 16 weeks Literature Review, Fabrication and Assembly

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 V 8 weeks Literature Review, Evaluation, Report writing and
dissemination of information

Budget (Provide a budget break-down by activity/line item)

Make A the Summary of Items and Costs example below, then break other tables
according to the sub head in the table below. List the equipment, reagents and chemicals in the
subsequent table with their prices.

S/ N Item Cost (N)

1. Equipment to be purchased xxxxx
3. Chemical and Reagents xxxxx
4. Literature Acquisition xxxxx
5. Conference/ seminar xxxxx
6. Local travels, purchase of Chemicals and miscellaneous xxxxx
GRAND TOTAL xxxxx
Budget: The budget for the proposed research plan is justified as follows:

Table 2: Costing (Costing of the projects based on the phases)

Estimated Cost in
S/No Phase Naira
1 I 29,600.00
2 II 50,000.00
3 III 1,629,000.00
4 IV 230,000.00
5 V 61,200.00
TOTAL 1,999,800.00

Table 3: Equipment Purchase:

Estimated Cost
S/No Equipment Quantity in Naira
1 Power Unit (Tricycle) 1 650,000.00
2 Cooling Chamber 1 250,000.00
3 Manifold Gauge 1 6,000.00
TOTAL 906,000.00

Table 4: Expendable Supplies:

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 Estimated Cost
S/No Equipment Quantity in Naira
1 Photocopying paper 1 pack 7,000.00
2 LaserJet toners (colour) 1 set 30,000.00
3 Petrol fuel 20 litres 3,200.00
4 Engine oil 1 litre 1,000.00
5 Hacksaw frame 5 15,000.00
6 Hacksaw blade 1 pack 8,000.00
7 Cutting disc 10 10,000.00
8 Copper tube 10 mm 1 roll 10,000.00
9 Grinding disc 5 6,000.00
10 Galvanised/mild steel sheet 1 mm 4 50,000.00
11 Mild steel electrode (gauge 12) 4 15,000.00
12 Bolts and Nuts 2,000.00
13 Riveting Pins 2 packs 3,000.00
14 Deep Cycle Battery 2 240,000.00
15 Solar cable 5 yards 2,500.00
16 Brazing rod (steel) 20 lengths 5,000.00
17 Brazing rod (Brass) 20 lengths 5,000.00
18 Spray Paints 4 tins 4,000.00
19 13 Amps sockets 2 2,000.00
20 13 Amps plugs 2 1,000.00
21 Angle Iron (40 x 40 x 5) mm 5 lengths 20,000.00
22 Thermostatic Expansion valve 2 16,000.00
23 Thermostat 2 6,000.00
24 Flux 1 tin 2,000.00
25 Solar Panel 2 200,000.00
26 2 hp Condenser / Compressor 1 45,000.00
27 Solar charge controller 1 22,500.00
28 Inverter 1 75,000.00
29 Refrigerant (R600a) 1 tin 12,000.00
30 Aluminium sheet 2 mm 3 90,000.00
31 Industrial Drier 2 10,000.00
32 Door key 1 15,000.00
TOTAL 933,200.00
Table 5: Literature Acquisition:
1 Internet Browsing, E-mail, etc. 5,600.00
2 Photocopies and Documentation 10,000.00
TOTAL 15,600.00

Table 6: Local Travels for sample collection and field visits:

Estimated Cost in
S/No Destination Naira
1 Within Okitipupa 5,000.00

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 2 Outside Akure for Procurement 50,000.00
TOTAL 55,000.00

Table 7: Extra-Manpower:
. Estimated Cost in
S/No Manpower Naira
1 Technician (Electrical) 10,000.00
2 Welding Technician 10,000.00
3 Refrigeration Technician 10,000.00
TOTAL 30,000.00

Table 8: Analysis of Data:

Estimated Cost in
S/No Analysis Naira
1 Analysis of Results 20,000.00
2 Testing product for performance 40,000.00
TOTAL 60,000.00

Grand Total: One million, nine hundred and ninety-nine thousand, eight hundred naira only
(N1,999, 800.00)

References
Akinola, A. O., Akintayo, T. C. and Kuti, O. A. (2008) “Development of a Hawking Refrigerator ”.
FUTA Journal of Engineering and Engineering Technology (FUTAJEET), Vol. 6, No 1: 88 – 96
Akinola, A. O., Mogaji, T. S. and Adewole, K. A. (2015) “Development of a Solar-Powered Mobile
Refrigerator” International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering
IJETAE, Volume 5, Issue 9, 1 – 6
Althouse A.D., Turnquist C.H. and Branco A.F. (1978): “Modern Refrigeration and Air
Conditioning”. Good Heart Willox Co., London
Axaopoulos, P.J. and Theodoridis, M. P. (2009). Design and Experimental Performance of a PV Ice-
maker Without Battery. Solar Energy, 83:1360-1369.
Ewert, M. K., Agrella, M., Frahm, J., Bergeron, D. J., and Berchowitz, D. (1998). Experimental
evaluation of a solar PV-refrigerator with Thermoelectric, Stirling and Vapor Compression Heat
Pumps. Proceedings of Solar ’98, ASES
http://solar.nmsu.edu/publications/pv_direct_refrig.pdf
Fan,Y., Luo, L. and Souyri, B. (2007): Review of solar sorption refrigeration technologies:
Development and applications, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 11: 1758–1775

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Fapetu O. P. (2002): “Principle and Practice of Refrigeration” Volume 1, Pin-Funky Press, Akure,
Nigeria.
Hasanuzzaman, M., Saidur, R. and Masjuki, H. H. (2008). Moisture Transfer and Energy Losses of
Household Refrigerator-Freezer during the Closed Door Operation. International Journal of
Mechanical and Materials Engineering (IJMME), Vol. 3 (2008), No.1, 30-37.
Kim, D. S. and Ferreira, I. C. A. (2008). Solar refrigeration options–a state-of-the art review.
International Journal of Refrigeration. 31: 3-15.
Mogaji, T. S. and Fapetu, O. P. (2011): Development of an evaporative cooling system for the
preservation of fresh vegetables, African Journal of Food Science Vol. 5(4), pp. 255 – 266
Papadopoulos, A. M., Oxizidis, S. and Kyriakis, N. (2003). Perspectives of solar cooling in view of
the developments in the air-conditioning sector. Renewable Sustainable Energy Rev., 7: 419-438.

Signature of Principal Researcher: Signature of Chairman ICR:

Signature of Head of Department: Signature of Head of Institution: