• Development of parametric method for small aircraft design. (2008 - 2016)

Small aircraft in the form of personal or remote controlled aircraft design could be approached in such a way as to derive optimum performance for any configuration that may be developed for given mission. In practice, the aerodynamic performance is estimated from the coefficients obtained due to the chosen wing profile. However, it can be envisioned that every section of the configuration could contribute to the aerodynamic forces.

The research aimed at developing a technique or method that takes into account the contribution of all sections of the configuration with the objective of improving the accuracy of the evaluating aircraft performance.

The concept of the method is built on object oriented technique. Input parameters comprise of two kinds, namely, fixed and design parameters were considered. The output result in the geometry and performance characteristics of the aircraft. The performance is modelled as integral function over the surface and results in Lift and Drag forces.

• Development of Lift-Tipping mechanism for small tricycle truck for Municipal waste collection. (2008 – date)

A number of small waste collection trucks such as tricycles are in use in a number of developing countries. The use of such technology has been popular in Ghana. This research considers design of lift-tipping mechanism for small solid waste collection trucks being used by Zoomlion Ghana Limited. The lift-tipping mechanism is developed from a five bar mechanism with one degree of freedom. The mechanism is modelled and simulated using Solid Edge software as the first step. Results of the simulation show that a height of 70% of the length of the lifting bar could be attained and a tilt angle more than 40^o could be achieved. The actuation of the mechanism could be achieved by employing power screw, hydraulic or pneumatic actuators, and rack and pinion combinations. This mechanism will improve the operation of the collection truck. The system had since been built and tested in the laboratory. Weight optimization and the system was carried out and also the friction effect of the waste. It is expected that a field test of the tricycle truck fitted with the lift-tipping mechanism will be undertaken.

• Development of mechanized ‘Kente’ weaving loom for rural industry. (2011 – Date)

 ‘Kente’ is a celebrated cloth in Ghana that is produced in narrow strips of between 8.0 cm and 15.0 cm. The art of weaving ‘kente’ started more than centuries ago and has since been hand woven. It is, as at now, produced with same traditional loom. The process is very laborious and time consuming taking about 14 day for simplest (single weave) 1.5 m by 2.4 m and 40 days for some specific designs with experienced weaver. The aim of this research is to develop a mechanized weaving machine that is expected to enhance the ‘kente’ weaving process and promote the industry. The process involves three motions that are orthogonal and periodic. The initial prototype developed used mechanical drives and electronic controls. Motion test undertaken prove successful with all sequence motions interacting as expected. However, the weaving test conducted revealed some challenge. Currently, challenge issues are being looked into.

• Plasma Gasification for Municipal Solid Waste Treatment. (2010 – Date)

Plasma gasification is the process of converting matter into gas in an oxygen-starved environment to decompose waste material into its basic molecular structure. Plasma gasification does not combust the waste as incinerators do. It converts the organic waste into a fuel gas that still contains all the chemical and heat energy from the waste. It converts the inorganic waste into an inert vitrified glass. The plasma reactor does not discriminate between types of waste. It can process any type of waste.

A potential solution to waste management in Ghana considering complex waste generation without sorting is Plasma gasification, which is environmentally friendly and has the advantage of converting the solid waste into useful by-products. Also, the syngas produced could be used in energy generation.

Initial stage of the research was the assessment of the municipal solid waste generation in the Ghana. This was followed by setting up experimental plasma gasification reactor and testing. Upon testing, the improvised plasma torch used posed challenges and is currently being improved.

• Concentrated Solar Energy for Africa (CSP4Africa) Project. (2012 – 2016)

This is an Africa Union funded project being undertaken by 2iE of Ouagadougou in partnership with Energy Centre of KNUST. The project is for three years starting from March 2012. I am a project team member from KNUST. I contribute to the implementation of the component of the project in Ghana with major contribution of design, construction and installation of heliostat at Wa project site.

• Oil Spill simulation of Marine environment of Ghana (2015 –Date)

            Ghana has started production of petroleum oil in commercial quantity and it is offshore production. This poses danger to marine and coaster environment in case of an accident resulting into major oil spill. This research seek to provide a simulation package that will help to mitigate the impact of damage and also provide guidance in managing such situation.

• Bast Fibre Research Group (2019 – Date)

Bast fibre research group is located in the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, College of Science, KNUST. The aim is to conduct research and development of bast fibre crop in Ghana. There are a number of indigenous bast fibre species found in Ghana which require investigation and the group has been doing such. My role is to support the research in investigating the engineering properties and characterization of the various fibre components and also research into possible processing facilities/technologies.