Current Concepts in Engineering Research and Technology Vol. 2

Modelling and Control of a Dual-Inverter-Fed Six-Phase PMSM Drive Using PI and Fuzzy Logic Controllers

Anurag Singh Tomer — 2026-04-27

Among various drive systems, multiphase Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) drives have attracted significant attention due to their inherent advantages associated with multiphase operation. This Study presents the modelling and simulation of a two-inverter-fed six-phase PMSM drive system. A comparative analysis between a conventional Proportional–Integral (PI) controller and a Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) is performed based on starting torque, settling time, and steady-state current under different speed and load conditions. The PI controller shows limitations such as longer settling time and slower dynamic response during sudden load variations. To overcome these issues, a fuzzy logic-based intelligent controller is implemented and tested in the MATLAB/Simulink environment under no-load, constant load, and dynamic load conditions. Simulation results demonstrate that the fuzzy controller provides faster response, higher starting torque, improved robustness, and better performance compared with the conventional PI controller.

Design and Evaluation of Engineered Sewage Treatment Systems in Selected Niger Delta Environments

Edward Moore — 2026-04-27

In many rural communities in the Niger Delta, untreated sewage is indiscriminately discharged into surface water bodies due to poor sanitation infrastructure, lack of central sewage treatment plants, and inadequate maintenance of septic systems. This research addressed the fundamental issue of Water scarcity in Nigeria's Niger Delta, which fuels water-borne diseases as untreated sewage contaminates vital freshwater sources. A locally designed sewage plant “engineered sewage treatment system” (ESTS) was therefore designed and developed with local materials like palm kernel shell (PKS), periwinkle shell (PWS), charcoal, fine, and coarse sand to treat domestic wastewater and improve the quality of the available water source within the local communities. Results showed remarkable efficiency (93-100%) in removing F. coliform, E. coli, and other harmful bacteria. With performance comparable to borehole water standards, this cost-effective solution offers a practical way to curb disease spread and improve water quality in resource-limited riverine communities. The ESTS, operated for 3 months, demonstrated significant reductions in contaminants, meeting WHO/FMEnv standards. The analysis of the treated effluents showed a significant reduction in the levels of contaminants as most of the physicochemical and biological parameters were within acceptable limits, making water readily available and affordable (cost-effective) as well as helping to curb the proliferation of water- borne diseases and improve water quality in riverine communities.

Evaluation of Recycled Glass Waste as a Sustainable Substitute for Fine Aggregate and Its Influence on the Mechanical Performance of Concrete

Mortada Abbas Hashem — 2026-04-27

Waste management has emerged as a critical concern in the context of contemporary societal expansion. Glass, being non-biodegradable, is one such material that is not suitable for addition to a landfill. Recycling glass from waste is a sustainable solution that contributes to environmental protection and waste reduction. This research aimed to investigate the effect of using recycled glass waste as a partial replacement for fine aggregate (sand) in unreinforced concrete mixes, focusing on mechanical properties, particularly density and compressive strength. Four concrete mixes with different glass percentages (0%, 3%, 6%, and 9%) of the total weight of fine aggregate were prepared and tested according to approved standards to determine the effects of glass addition. The results showed that the inclusion of glass at 3% and 6% significantly improved compressive strength compared to the reference mix, while the strength decreased at 9% due to poor bonding between the glass and the cement paste. Density also appeared to gradually decrease with increasing glass percentage, suggesting the potential use of these mixes in applications requiring lightweight concrete. The study highlights the environmental and technical potential of using recycled glass in the concrete industry, while taking into account technical controls to achieve satisfactory results.

Mapping Wind Energy Potential for Small-Scale Turbines on Campus at Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden

Imo Edwin Nkan — 2026-04-27

As the need for clean energy is expanding, critical evaluation of renewable energy systems has become increasingly important to the energy research community and stakeholders. Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sectors, with the levelized cost of wind energy now comparable to electricity generated by thermal power stations such as coal and gas. It has grown rapidly in the early 21st century and is considered a renewable, relatively safe, and clean method of generating electricity. This study examines the wind resource potential at the Akpaden community and its suitability for siting a wind turbine to support the availability of electrical energy, research purposes, and for technology innovation. Wind data were collected and tabulated at various time intervals with respect to height for seven days using an anemometer. Statistical tool analysis was employed. Results showed slight variation in morning and afternoon wind speeds, with an overall average wind speed of 4.09 m/s obtained. The data were modelled using a wind equation, and at 12 m height, an average power output of about 180 W was estimated. A 300 W small-scale wind turbine was suggested for use. Results show that useful energy can be obtained from the wind available in Ikot Akpaden Community, though it is a little affected by height due to obstruction by buildings and trees. However, the limitations can be overcome when sitting in areas that are free from disturbances. In conclusion, wind resource assessment is essential for effective energy system planning. As clean energy initiatives expand, the evaluation of renewable energy potential has become increasingly important.

Graph-Theoretic Models for Resilient Renewable Energy Networks: Applications in Smart Grid Planning, Optimization and Sustainability

Firash Zhed S. Ututalum — 2026-04-27

Aims: This chapter develops a graph-theoretic framework for analysing resilient renewable energy networks, with emphasis on smart grid planning, distributedenergy integration, network optimization, and sustainability-oriented decision support.

Study Design: The chapter is written as a methodological review and conceptual modelling study. It synthesizes recent energy-network literature and translates selected ideas into graph models that can be used in planning and screening studies.

Methodology: Renewable energy systems are represented as weighted, directed, multilayer, and temporal graphs. Nodes denote buses, substations, distributed energy resources, storage units, loads, prosumers, and control devices, whereas edges represent physical lines, switching options, communication links, or energysharing relationships. Connectivity, centrality, algebraic connectivity, domination, spanning trees, community detection, shortest paths, and resilience indices are formulated as planning tools. Original illustrative graphs, tables, and a stepwise modelling workflow are provided to support implementation.

Results: The graph-theoretic perspective clarifies how renewable penetration modifies the structural and operational behaviour of modern grids. Centrality and vulnerability measures identify critical buses and corridors; spanning-tree and reconfiguration models support radial distribution operation; dominating-set models guide placement of sensors, controllers, storage, and renewable nodes; and

EDM-Textured TiN-Coated Carbide Tool Inserts: Enhanced Wear Resistance and Machining Performance via Coating Entrapment

Titus Bitek Watmon — 2026-04-27

Despite extensive research on cutting tool wear during machining, accurately quantifying wear remains difficult due to the complex wear process, which limits the establishment of a universal wear equation. This study presents a novel design of coated cutting tools featuring a crater-like (undulating) surface topography produced by Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) and coated with titanium nitride (TiN). The textured surface, characterised by peaks and valleys, enhances coating retention by trapping TiN within surface features, thereby improving wear resistance and tool life. Experimental results show that EDMed TiN-coated inserts outperform conventional TiN-coated tools, achieving up to 40% higher cutting speeds, 60% longer tool life, and reduced power consumption. These improvements are attributed to reduced friction and improved tribological conditions at the tool–chip and tool–workpiece interfaces, resulting in lower heat generation and delayed wear progression. The findings demonstrate that surface texturing combined with hard coatings enables the use of higher cutting speeds, feeds, and depths of cut, leading to increased material removal rates and enhanced productivity. This work provides practical insights for improving the performance of coated cutting tools in modern machining applications. The study explores tool wear behaviour and analyses it within a tribological framework to elucidate the underlying friction and wear mechanisms.

Modelling New Product Diffusion Using a PSO-Optimised Grey Bass Approach

Ramesh Parihar — 2026-04-27

The Bass model of product diffusion analysis requires a large quantity of raw data to determine the parameters of the model. To address this limitation, the Grey Bass model proposed the use of a non-linear least squares (NLS) approach for parameter estimation. In the present chapter, a more appropriate method for the Grey Bass equation is offered, which estimates the potential capacity of the market even if the sample size is small. The proposed model is based on the minimisation of the sum of squares of error between actual and predicted data using the Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO) technique. In PSO, each potential solution (“particle”) is randomly initialised, evaluated via a fitness function, and iteratively updated based on personal and global best positions until convergence, producing an optimal or near-optimal solution. Using a case study dataset, as used by Wang, the accuracy of the improved method was investigated. Data contained consumers from June 2011 to October 2013, and the time interval was two months. The proposed Grey-Bass Model was implemented in MATLAB 14.2 using a program that minimises the sum of squared errors. The results show that the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) in the present case is 6.52% compared to 7.93% reported by Wang. The model demonstrates strong simulation, prediction, and future forecasting capabilities for new products and is particularly suitable for small sample datasets.

Renewable Energy Integration for Voltage Stability and Power Transfer Optimisation in Nigeria’s 330 kV Transmission Network

Imo Edwin Nkan — 2026-04-27

Nigeria’s 330 kV transmission network continues to face critical operational challenges, including voltage instability, excessive transmission losses, limited power transfer capability, and inadequate infrastructure expansion, all of which undermine reliable electricity delivery and constrain economic growth. Increasing electricity demand driven by urbanisation, industrialisation, and population growth further exacerbates these challenges, necessitating innovative and sustainable approaches to transmission system enhancement. This study investigates the integration of renewable energy resources, particularly solar photovoltaic (PV) generation, as a strategic solution for improving voltage stability and optimising power transfer performance in Nigeria’s high-voltage transmission network. A transmission network model was developed using a 5-bus power system configuration in MATLAB/Simulink, while steady-state system performance was evaluated using the Newton-Raphson load flow algorithm. The methodology involved modelling transmission buses, generators, transmission line parameters, and integrating a grid-connected 3 MW solar PV system into the network to assess its impact on voltage profiles, power losses, and overall transmission performance. Solar PV system design considerations included irradiance characteristics, module configurations, voltage-current relationships, and power generation capabilities under varying environmental operating conditions. Simulation results demonstrated substantial improvements following renewable energy integration. Voltage magnitudes at buses previously operating below acceptable stability limits significantly improved, with bus voltages increasing from 0.8302 pu, 0.6338 pu, 0.5344 pu, and 0.6581 pu to 0.9902 pu, 1.0001 pu, 1.0100 pu, and 0.9947 pu, respectively, thereby restoring network voltage levels within recommended operational standards. Furthermore, active power losses decreased remarkably from 3.05 MW to 0.65 MW, representing a 78.33% reduction in transmission losses. The integrated solar PV system also demonstrated stable generation capability, producing approximately 3 MW under standard irradiance conditions while enhancing overall system power availability and operational resilience. The findings establish renewable energy integration as a technically viable and economically sustainable approach for strengthening Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure. Beyond improving voltage stability and minimising transmission losses, renewable energy deployment enhances grid reliability, increases power transfer capability, and supports long-term energy sustainability objectives. The study provides valuable insights for power system planners, policymakers, and energy sector stakeholders seeking practical pathways toward modernising Nigeria’s electricity transmission network and accelerating the transition toward cleaner and more resilient power systems.