A 300-level student of the department of Electrical Electronics in the College of Engineering of Gregory University Uturu, Prayer Nwojoyi has designed and produced a prototype of a hybrid fuel-less electricity generating machine. The prototype is a 3 KVA, dual-battery, generator that requires neither solar power nor combustive material to generate electricity.

The prototype design was presented to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Augustine Uwakwe by the Dean, College of Engineering, Dr. Soccis Okoli. In his remark, Prof Uwakwe applauded the College of Engineering for the innovation. He restated that Gregory University Uturu remains committed to innovative problem solving, especially in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the institution has braced up to the challenges posed by the pandemic and subsequently tasked itself to proffer solutions. Prof Uwakwe noted that the Hybrid Fuel-less generator is another contribution of the College of Engineering towards combating the Coronavirus pandemic and cushioning its effect on the populace. According to him “the invention of a fuel-less electricity generator will therefore ensure the provision of uninterrupted, cost-free power supply to the masses which will go a long way in mitigating some of the harsh consequences of the lockdown occasioned by the global pandemic”.

While presenting the new equipment to the Vice Chancellor,the dean of the college of engineering Dr. Soccis Okoli stated that the power generating machine is different from other generators available in the market, asserting that the department is ready to mass produce and market the product. He noted that the generator is safe and cost-friendly as it requires zero-input or maintenance after installation. In addition, it is a zero-emission generator which makes it eco-friendly.

In his own speech, the brain behind the project, Prayer Nwojoyi highlighted a few features of the power generating device which include dual self-sustaining 12volts 6amp batteries which power the device alternately while also charging itself. According to the young innovator, “the device has an automatic change-over that turns the device on and off, thereby allowing instant change-over once an alternative power source comes on or off. This eliminates idle-time and need for human intervention to change-over”. He noted that all the materials used in the design and construction were sourced locally.

Prayer Nwojoyi is a past winner of an NTA network programme for junior scientists,which is sponsored annually by Prof Gregory Ibe, in his capacity as Managing Director of Skill ‘G’ Nig. Ltd, a frontline education development company.