1.1 Introduction
The efficient and reliable supply of electricity is an unavoidable prerequisite to development of any nation since it is the major power source that drives most technologies, thus there is need for cost effective and environmental friendly energy source. The DC motor of the proposed system was powered by high current rechargeable battery and used as a prime mover to exert a rotational force on the alternator. The system includes a control circuit that automatically switches on or off the generator, monitors the voltage output from both the grid and generator system to select the best source as output to the load.
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, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Electricity is the major power source that drives most technologies hence it is demanded in large capacity. Regular and adequate supply of electricity is an unavoidable prerequisite to any nation’s development. Any nation whose energy need is epileptic in supply, prolongs her development (Onochie, Egware, & Eyakwanor, 2015). Presently in Nigeria, power generating is mainly from thermal plants (about 61%) while hydro power generating is about 31%. Most of the generating assets in the public power sector are old. Lack of timely routine maintenance had caused significant deterioration in plant output and is a key explanatory factor in the lingering electric power crisis (Ajav & Adewumi, 2014). According to industry watchers, more than two decades of poor planning and underinvestment had left a huge supply deficit. There is no new infrastructure in over a decade despite rapid population growth and rising demand for power (Nigeria Power Sector Report, 2008). The process of generating the electricity is a key factor to the depletion in ozone layer, noise and environmental pollution (Ajav, 2012). The challenges associated with conventional energy source more especially hydroelectric power supply is the need for flowing river with high potential water head, large land mass, in addition to the adverse effect on the aquatic habitat and also settlements close to the site during flood or natural disaster.
Other evolutionary trends that leads to generating energy from non-renewable sources like coal, fuel, gas, nuclear and so on, have the benefit of generating energy of large capacity, at low cost. However, the residual from the generation process is highly toxic which depletes the ozone layer, pollutes the habitat and endanger lives (Ajav & Adewumi, 2014). The most common way of generating electricity from non-renewable energy source which is used as a backup in both residential and industrial areas is the fuel or diesel generator. The fuel or diesel generator operates by combusting hydrocarbon fuel to exert a rotational force to the alternator axis which produces a torque from the mechanical power supplied from it (Theraja & Theraja, 2007). It requires less capital to set up the system compared to the grid system and it is also portable, which gives it the benefit to be used in remote areas. Nevertheless, the running cost of the generator is a challenge to the user on the long run and it causes noise pollution to the immediate environment. Also gases like carbon monoxide (CO) released from the combustion of the hydrocarbon fuel are hazardous to human health, poses threat to the environment and contribute to the depletion of ozone layer (Abatan, Adewale, & Alabi, 2013). This motivated the use of a DC motor as a prime mover to the alternator to mitigate some of these effects.
1.3 Statement of Problems
The application of the system to generate electricity is restricted to capacity of both the D.C. motor and the alternator. The dc motor capacity must exceed that of the alternator coupled to the dc motor in order to produce maximum alternator output capacity. This implies that the availability of DC motor and alternator of large capacity gives the system its potentials in order to solve problem of the generation and distribution of electricity that is usually inadequate.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to design and construct a system that will generate a Simple Lighting Energy using DC-Motor. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows to design and construct a system that will:
- Generate a Simple Lighting Energy using DC-Motor
- Help reduce our reliance on the burning of fossil fuels.
- Produce a constant and efficient and Simple Lighting Energy supply
1.5 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to Electrical Engineers, PHCN Company and other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.6 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Production of a Simple Lighting Energy using DC-Motor.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
