http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/56 Mon, 18 May 2026 10:42:39 GMT 2026-05-18T10:42:39Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/31080 Title: Design and Optimization of a Smart IoT-Integrated Bioreactor for Enhanced Biogas Production Using Multi-Algorithm Modelling Approaches Authors: Mohammed, I. S.; Aliyu, M; Simeon, I. M; Akande, T. Y; Mohammed, A. S; Usman, M; Anumiri, C. E; Isah, A.G; Shimizu, N Abstract: The growing global demand for clean and sustainable energy sources has intensified interest in biogas as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. However, conventional biogas production systems often suffer from inefficiencies due to poor process monitoring and limited control mechanisms. This study focuses on the design, construction and optimization of a smart Internet of Things (IoT) system couple with anaerobic digestion (AD) bioreactor for improved biogas production and real time monitoring. Embedded sensors; temperature (DS18B20), carbon dioxide (MQ135), and methane (MQ4) were incorporated into the bioreactor connected to Thing-Speak IoT network for continuous visualization, remote system diagnostic and data acquisition. Three optimization schemes; Nelder-Mead Simplex Direct Search (NMSDS), Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP) were employed for optimum biogas generation, dynamic parameter identification and predictive modelling of the bioreactor performance. Between this evaluated algorithm, the NMSDS scheme shows the best prediction accuracy with objective function (J) and mean absolute error (MAE) value of 93.577 and 0.098 respectively, illustrating its performance in capturing the non-linear behavior of the AD system, while its average standard error of prediction (SEP) and standard error of calibration (SEC) attained by the system are 0.0155 and 0.010 respectively. The operational efficiency, predictive capability and stability of AD process enhanced significantly with the integration of smart IoT monitoring system and advanced modelling. Description: Nil Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/31080 2025-09-03T00:00:00Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/31079 Title: Production of composite briquettes (orange peels and corn cobs) and determination of its fuel properties Authors: Aliyu, Mohammed; Ibrahim, Shaba Mohammed; Usman, Mohammad; Dauda, Solomon Musa; Igbetua, Joshua Igbetua Abstract: Energy is one of the necessities for human existence. Currently, fossil fuel is the major source of energy from which the commonly used fuel products like kerosene and cooking gas are obtained. These sources of energy are not renewable and environmentally friendly. Therefore, it is necessary to explore renewable energy sources particularly from Agricultural residues. This study presents the investigation on the suitability of orange peels and corn cobs for composite briquette production. Due to the enormous wastes problem constituted by orange peels and corn cobs, it is necessary to utilise these wastes for energy purposes. Orange peels and corn cobs were collected from environment of Chanchaga and Kasuwan-Gwari Local Government Area of Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. The materials were sun-dried and milled using a locally available milling machine, sieved through a 2.36 mm sieve and mixed in the ratios of 20:80, 80:20, and 50:50 – orange peels to corn cobs. The samples were mixed at varying mass ratios with 80 g of pasty starch as a binder and compacted in a manually operated hydraulic jack briquetting machine. The formed briquettes were oven-dried and some physical and fuel properties were determined. Results showed sample A has the highest calorific value of 31886.04 kcal kg-1 followed by sample B with 31295.62 kcal kg-1 and the least was sample C with 31136.77 kcal kg-1 respectively. Sample A also had the highest carbon content followed by sample B and C respectively. This study revealed that the produced composite solid fuel could be used as a source of heat energy even in rural areas with little or no electrical power supply. Fri, 26 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/31079 2020-06-26T00:00:00Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/30191 Title: Production and Optimisation of Parameters for Density and Ash Content of Briquettes Produced from Sorghum Stalks and Groundnut Shells Using African Locust Bean (Parkia biglobosa) Pulp as a Binding Agent Authors: AMINU, A.; Aliyu, M.; Mohammed, I. S.; ANIMASHAUN, I. M.; Daniel, P.; Usman, M. Abstract: To address the climatic challenges posed by conventional fossil fuels, prioritizing research on renewable energy sources is essential. This study aims to develop briquettes from a blend of carbonized sorghum stalks and groundnut shells to mitigate environmental issues associated with the use of fossil fuels. The biomass materials were subjected to carbonization at 400°C for 1 hour within a muffle furnace. The production process utilized a D-Optimal Design of Experiment to optimise independent variables, including the ratios of sorghum stalks and groundnut shells, compaction pressure, and particle size, with briquette density and ash content as response parameters. The results revealed a biochar yield of 37.25% for sorghum stalks and 57.50% for groundnut shells. Briquette densities ranged from 0.64 to 1.36 g/cm³, and ash content varied from 7.55% to 18.55%. Statistical analysis revealed that increased compaction pressure and reduced particle size resulted in higher briquette density, whereas the ratios of biomass materials had a minimal effect on this outcome. The optimal briquette formulation was determined to be 30 wt.% sorghum stalks and 30 wt.% groundnut shells, with a compaction pressure of 12 MPa and a particle size of 0.78 mm. This formulation yielded a density of 1.2 g/cm³ and an ash content of 8.710%, resulting in a maximum desirability index of 0.944. The successful creation of these briquettes suggests a viable renewable energy source that could help reduce reliance on conventional fossil fuels and address climate change. This development supports renewable energy production and sets the stage for further research and policy efforts in biomass energy technology. Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/30191 2025-07-03T00:00:00Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/30190 Title: Design and Finite Element Simulation of Hydrothermal Carbonization Reactor Authors: Aliyu, M.; Usman, M.; Mohammed, I. S.; Mohammed, A. S.; Daniel, P.; Jack, K, E; Anumiri, C.E Abstract: This study presents the design and simulation of a Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC) bioreactor using finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate its structural integrity under high temperature and high-pressure operating conditions. The bioreactor, constructed from Stainless Steel 304 with a 5 mm wall thickness and designed to operate at 10 MPa and 300 °C, was analyzed for pressure distribution, thermal stress, Von Mises stress, safety factor, fatigue life, buckling resistance, and combined thermo-mechanical loading. Results showed that the reactor maintains structural stability with stress levels below the material yield limit and acceptable safety factors. Localized fatigue concerns were observed around geometrical discontinuities, emphasizing the need for targeted reinforcement. The combined fatigue thermal–structural life analysis confirms the reactor’s suitability for prolonged cyclic operation. Overall, the bioreactor design is robust and efficient, supporting its application in sustainable biomass conversion processes. Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/30190 2025-09-25T00:00:00Z