1.1 Introduction
An inverter is an electrical device that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC), which is the standard form of electricity required to power most household appliances (Omer, 2018). Unlike the electricity supplied by the national grid, which is often inconsistent in many developing countries, an inverter provides a reliable means of generating and distributing electricity by storing energy in batteries and making it available when needed (Aliyu & Musa, 2020).
The issue of erratic power supply in Nigeria has persisted for decades, with the electricity generation and distribution sector struggling to meet the population's needs. Households often experience prolonged outages, forcing them to seek alternative energy sources. Conventional options, such as petrol and diesel generators, though popular, pose significant challenges, including noise pollution, high fuel consumption, and environmental hazards due to greenhouse gas emissions (Chidiebere et al., 2021).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitation of the study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Electricity is a vital resource for socio-economic development and household comfort, yet many developing nations continue to grapple with unstable power supply. According to Aliyu and Musa (2020), the electricity sector in Nigeria has struggled for decades to provide adequate and reliable power to its citizens, leading to frequent blackouts and load shedding. Okorie and Nwachukwu (2020) reported that the inability of the national grid to meet rising energy demands has forced households to depend heavily on alternative power sources (Okorie and Nwachukwu, 2020).
Generators remain the most common option for bridging the gap in electricity supply. However, Adewuyi et al. (2021) asserted that generators are not sustainable because of their high operating costs, environmental pollution, and reliance on expensive fossil fuels. Chidiebere and Okonkwo (2021) stated that generator fumes contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, while their noise levels pose public health risks in residential areas. In contrast, inverter systems have emerged as a cleaner, quieter, and more environmentally friendly alternative for domestic power supply.
According to Omer (2018), an inverter is an electronic device that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), which is suitable for powering household and industrial appliances. Unlike smaller inverters, which are often limited to lighting and fans, a 5Kva inverter is capable of handling heavy-duty household appliances such as refrigerators, deep freezers, washing machines, and air conditioners. Olayinka and Bakare (2022) affirmed that a 5Kva inverter provides an adequate balance between cost and capacity, making it ideal for medium and large households in Nigeria.
A 5Kva inverter is particularly significant because it provides sufficient capacity to power essential and heavy household appliances such as refrigerators, deep freezers, air conditioners, water pumps, televisions, and lighting systems. The choice of 5Kva strikes a balance between affordability and adequacy for most medium to large households in Nigeria. Unlike smaller inverters that are only suitable for light loads such as fans and bulbs, a 5Kva system is designed to carry the entire household load, making it a complete alternative during power outages (Olayinka & Bakare, 2022).
Ezeanya and Ogunjimi (2019) contended that imported inverters are often designed for regions with different voltage standards and climatic conditions, which reduces their efficiency and lifespan when used domestically. Locally designed inverters are therefore essential to ensure affordability, reliability, and adaptability to the Nigerian context. In addition, the global transition to renewable energy further strengthens the need for inverter technology. Nwankwo and Ukaoha (2022) reported that inverters are critical components in solar photovoltaic systems, enabling the conversion of stored solar energy into usable AC power for household applications. This study is set against the backdrop of the need to design and construct a 5Kva inverter that is reliable, cost-effective, and capable of powering full household appliances in Nigeria.
1.3 Statement of Problems
In many developing countries, particularly Nigeria, the issue of unstable power supply has remained a recurring challenge that directly affects households and industries. The overdependence on the national electricity grid, which is often unreliable, results in frequent blackouts that disrupt everyday activities such as lighting, refrigeration, heating, communication, and the use of electronic appliances (Okorie & Nwachukwu, 2020). The use of generators as an alternative source of power is widespread; however, generators are associated with high running costs, noise pollution, and environmental hazards due to carbon emissions. The price of fuel is steadily increasing, making the operation of generators less affordable for the average household.
On the other hand, solar-based inverter systems are becoming more attractive because they offer a cleaner and quieter solution. However, many available inverter systems are either of low capacity or poorly designed, making them unsuitable for powering full household appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, deep freezers, and washing machines (Adewuyi et al., 2021).
Furthermore, poor technical knowledge and inadequate local design standards have led to the proliferation of substandard inverters, which fail to provide stable power or burn out under heavy load conditions. This creates distrust among users and reduces the adoption rate of inverter technology as a viable solution. On the other hand, there is growing awareness among households about renewable energy and the need for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-powered generators, which increases the demand for effective inverter solutions (Nwankwo & Ukaoha, 2022). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to design and construct a 5Kva inverter system that is efficient, reliable, cost-effective, and capable of powering full household appliances.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to design and construct a 5Kva inverter that will serve as an efficient and reliable backup power solution for households. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To design the circuitry and components required for the construction of a 5Kva inverter.
- To develop and assemble the inverter system suitable for powering full household appliances.
- To test and evaluate the performance of the constructed inverter under different load conditions.
- To ensure the inverter is efficient, reliable, and adaptable to the Nigerian household environment.
- To provide a cost-effective alternative to imported inverter systems and fossil-fuel-powered generators.
1.5 Significance of Study
The study will provide an alternative solution to the persistent problem of unreliable power supply in Nigeria by presenting a 5Kva inverter system that is capable of powering full household appliances. It will serve as a practical response to the energy crisis that has long hindered domestic comfort and socio-economic development.
The project will also contribute to reducing dependence on fossil fuel-powered generators, which are expensive to operate, noisy, and harmful to the environment. By promoting inverter technology, the study will encourage cleaner and more sustainable energy practices that align with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Furthermore, the findings will be beneficial to households, as the 5Kva inverter will provide reliable backup power that supports critical appliances such as refrigerators, deep freezers, air conditioners, and washing machines. In doing so, it will improve the quality of life for families who struggle with frequent blackouts.
Lastly, the research will lay a foundation for integrating inverter systems with renewable energy sources such as solar power, ensuring a long-term pathway toward clean, reliable, and affordable electricity for households.
1.6 Scope and Limitations of the Study
The scope of the research is focused on the design and construction of a 5Kva inverter capable of powering full household appliances, with practical application targeted at households in Lagos State, Nigeria, where power outages are frequent and the demand for alternative energy solutions is high.
However, limitations were encountered due to insufficient data on household energy consumption patterns, frequent power failures during testing, financial constraints affecting the sourcing of high-quality components, time constraints in the design and testing process, and delays in obtaining feedback from respondents during evaluation.
1.7 Definition of Terms
Inverter:
An electronic device that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC), which is the standard electricity required by most household appliances (Omer, 2018).
5Kva:
A rating unit meaning five kilovolt-amperes, which represents the apparent power capacity of the inverter. It is sufficient to power medium to large household appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners (Olayinka & Bakare, 2022).
Direct Current (DC):
A form of electricity that flows in one direction, typically supplied by batteries or solar panels (Rashid, 2017).
Alternating Current (AC):
A form of electricity where the flow of current changes direction periodically, and it is the standard form used in households and industries (Aliyu & Musa, 2020).
Load:
The electrical power consumed by appliances or devices connected to the inverter (Adewuyi et al., 2021).
Generator:
A mechanical device that produces electricity by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, often using fossil fuels such as petrol or diesel (Chidiebere & Okonkwo, 2021).
Renewable Energy:
Energy derived from natural sources such as the sun, wind, or water, which are replenished naturally and are environmentally sustainable (Nwankwo & Ukaoha, 2022).
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