No abstract

This paper examines the electric power distribution network system of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC); its shortcomings, costs and voltage loss in distribution with a view to finding optimal solution through determination of optimal power flow path. The Modified Dijsktra’s Algorithm was applied to generate optimal flow path model of the distribution network with seven (7) nodes from Afam Thermal Power Station (source) to the Calabar Distribution Centre (destination) via the interconnected substations. The structural design of the PHEDC distribution network and a review of relevant literatures on shortest path problems were adopted. The modified Dijkstra’s algorithm was simulated using JavaScript and is able to run on any web browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, etc). It was applied to a practical 330kV network using the relevant data obtained from the company and the result shows the negative effect of distance on voltage quality. It was observed that the Modified Dijkstra’s Algorithm is suitable for determining optimal power flow path with up to 98 percent level of accuracy because of its suitability for determining the shortest route in both transportation and power energy distribution as well as its overall performance with minimal memory space and fast response time.

In this study, a timely arrival recommender system (TARS) using Viterbi and hidden Markov Model (HMM) was developed. Ratings from current road users were used as inputs and trained to provide recommendations to prospective road users on the best routes to follow to get to their destinations from any source in time. The system was deployed on Android devices and iPhones with Google map. Real time data on current road conditions were collected from twenty-one (21) bolt drivers in Calabar Metropolis traversing various routes from Unical to Watt Market. The system could calculate arrival time in km/h, generate nearest nodes on each route, detect routes with free or congested traffic flow, and then recommend the best route in real time to users for timely arrival. The application, if adopted, can aid road users to save time, cost, and reduce stress on both humans and the vehicles used.

Information and communication technology present huge potentials for socio-economic development in under-served communities. Wireless network offers great opportunity for the provision of affordable Internet services and bridge the digital gap among low income earners. In this study, a wireless network that is scalable and easily manageable was designed and implemented to cover five rural communities. We have been monitoring and maintaining the network for more than three years. Over time signal attenuation has been experienced as a result of environmental changes such as trees creating obstacles. A mesh network at the access layer was deployed to enhance throughput and signal propagation. Data was collected and analyzed to assess network and end users performance. The results shows that the transmit/receive (Tx/Rx) rate of 300Mbps/300Mbps was observed and a throughput loss of 0.5Mbps on the network. The point-to-multipoint access layer design increased the throughput, enhance signal coverage and quality of service.