MCS3201
MECHANICAL ENGINEERIING
DESIGN
PRESENTATION BY GROUP B
GROUP MEMBERS
NexGen
An all-in-one solution for household energy storage
THE NIGERIAN PROBLEM
Nigeria faces significant challenges with electricity supply, including an
unstable power grid that provides only 7-9 hours of electricity per week.
This inconsistency forces households to rely on petrol and diesel
generators, which are costly and environmentally damaging.
While solar energy offers a renewable alternative, its high upfront costs
limit accessibility for most families. Additionally, existing battery and
inverter systems are inefficient and cumbersome, often unable to power
essential heavy appliances.
The economic challenges, worsened by naira devaluation, further
complicate the situation, making energy solutions unaffordable for many
households.
THE PRESENT SOLUTIONS, DOES IT SOLVE THE PROBLEM?
The current technology (bulk lithium-ion batteries combined with inverters) used in many homes is not
optimized for powering heavy-duty appliances like refrigerators, irons, or air conditioners.
These systems require multiple components (batteries, inverters, outlets) and only support small
appliances (lights, fans). They are cumbersome, expensive, and inefficient in energy use, as they
drain quickly and need frequent recharging.
A separate light or connection source is also needed to transmit power from the battery to
appliances, adding to the complexity of the system.
OUR SOLUTION - NEXGEN
The proposed solution is an all-in-one energy storage system(NexGen)
that integrates a
•
•
•
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery,
inverter, and
power outlet into a compact unit.
This design aims to enhance power capacity to support both small and
heavy appliances, improving energy efficiency by enabling charging from
various sources like the grid, solar, or generators.
The system is designed to be affordable and scalable, making it accessible
for average Nigerian households while offering a sustainable alternative
to traditional energy sources.
It focuses on reducing complexity and cost, ultimately providing a reliable
energy solution to combat the ongoing electricity challenges.
DESIGN CONCEPT
When choosing the best approach to solve the problem, we came
up with various solutions that were not viable or already existing.
Alternative solutions included:
• Traditional Generators: Noisy and expensive to operate, relying
on fossil fuels.
• Separate Battery and Inverter Systems: Cumbersome and
inefficient, requiring multiple components and complex setups.
• Solar Power Systems: High upfront costs limit accessibility, leaving
many without viable options.
NexGen was chosen because it integrates multiple components
into one compact system, offering user convenience and
efficiency. It effectively addresses local energy challenges by
supporting heavy appliances, while its affordability and scalability
make it accessible for more households. Additionally, its
environmentally friendly design helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels,
positioning it as a sustainable solution.
COLLECTION OF DATA
To determine and estimate the product’s production
process and necessity, we conducted some research
and gathered necessary information
Electricity Supply and Household Consumption: Nigerian
households receive only 7-9 hours of power weekly,
heavily relying on petrol generators for essential
appliances, resulting in high costs and environmental
harm.
Current Battery Systems and Economic Constraints:
Existing battery and inverter setups are inefficient and
expensive, making affordable energy solutions essential
due to naira devaluation and economic challenges.
Technical and Market Feasibility: There is a strong market
demand for scalable, cost-effective energy storage
systems to address Nigeria's ongoing energy crisis.
FEASIBILITY STUDY
After collecting the data, we establish that it was
necessary to create the product due to market
demands. To see if the product was feasible, we
had to determine the following:
Technical Feasibility: The all-in-one system using
LiFePO₄ batteries is feasible, can charge from
various power sources, and can be designed to
support scalability.
Economic Feasibility: The system is affordable longterm, with local sourcing to reduce costs and a
favorable payback period through reduced fuel
and maintenance expenses.
Market Feasibility: There is high demand due to
Nigeria's energy crisis, and the system offers
competitive advantages in cost and efficiency over
current solutions like generators and inverters.
DESIGN CONCEPTUALIZATION
Product Definition
NexGen an All-in-One Energy Storage System: A compact energy storage solution that integrates a
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery, inverter, and power outlet into a single unit.
DESIGN MODELLING AND SIMULATION

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) Battery : High cycle life;
efficient energy storage.

Inverter,

Power Outlet(s) - Connects appliances; allows multiple
connections. Intelligent Charging System

Modular Housing; for protection and safe handling

Cooling System; Prevents overheating; includes passive or active
methods.

Smart Interface/Display; Monitors battery status; user-friendly
controls.

Safety Features ; Protects against overcharging; includes fuses and
sensors.

Energy Management System; Monitors usage; optimizes power
delivery for efficiency.
COMPONENTS MANUFACTURING PROCESS
Battery: Produced through electrochemical processes and automated assembly.
Inverter: Created via automated PCB fabrication and surface-mount assembly.
Power Outlet: Manufactured using injection molding and manual/automated assembly.
Charging System: Developed through custom software and hardware integration.
Housing: Prototyped via 3D printing and mass-produced using injection molding.
Cooling System: Designed with CAD software and fabricated through metal stamping/CNC machining.
Interface/Display: Sourced pre-manufactured screens and programmed for control.
Safety Features: Sourced protective components and integrated during assembly.
Energy Management System: Developed algorithms for monitoring and integrated with hardware.
DESIGN ANALYSIS
The design of the all-in-one energy solution focuses on
integrating essential components—battery, inverter,
and charging system—into a compact unit for
enhanced efficiency and usability.
Key considerations include:
Integration: The design merges multiple functionalities to
streamline installation and reduce costs.
Scalability: It allows for future upgrades,
accommodating varying household energy needs.
Durability: The system is engineered to withstand
Nigeria's climate, ensuring reliability under local
conditions.
Efficiency: Intelligent power management maximizes
energy use, supporting both small and heavy
appliances.
User-Friendly Interface: Simplified controls enhance
DESIGN OPTIMIZATION
Design optimization aims to enhance the all-in-one energy solution by focusing on:
Efficient Components and Smart Management: Utilize high-performance LiFePO₄ batteries and
advanced inverters while implementing intelligent energy management systems to minimize
energy loss and prioritize essential appliances during shortages.
Thermal Control and Modular Design: Incorporate effective cooling systems to manage heat from
high-power appliances, along with a modular design that allows for easy upgrades and
customization based on user needs.
Cost-Effective Manufacturing and User-Friendly Interface: Source local materials to reduce
production costs while creating an intuitive interface that provides clear information and enables
remote monitoring.These optimizations collectively enhance the efficiency, affordability, and
usability of the energy solution, effectively addressing the energy challenges faced by Nigerian
households.
DESIGN COMMUNICATION
Design communication involves effectively conveying the features, benefits, and
functionalities of the all-in-one energy solution to stakeholders, including potential users,
investors, and manufacturers. Key aspects include:
Visual Representation and Prototyping: Create detailed diagrams and prototypes to
illustrate the product's design and functionality.
Technical Documentation and Marketing: Develop comprehensive technical
specifications and promotional materials to highlight the product's benefits over
traditional energy solutions.
Stakeholder Engagement and User Training: Organize presentations for investors and
partners while implementing user training programs to ensure effective product
understanding and support.
Implementation, Launch, and Post-Launch Evaluation
The implementation of the NexGen system involved finalizing the design, manufacturing the
components, and assembling the all-in-one energy solution. The launch phase focused on
introducing the product to the market, highlighting its benefits and affordability to potential users.
Post-launch evaluation included gathering user feedback to assess performance, reliability, and
customer satisfaction, leading to updates and enhancements based on real-world usage. This
iterative process ensured continuous improvement and adaptation of the product to better meet
consumer needs and market conditions.
FEEDBACK, UPDATES, AND FUTURE INTEGRATION
Feedback from users highlighted areas for improvement, such as enhanced user interface
features and increased power capacity. Updates were made based on this feedback to
improve functionality and user experience. Future integration plans include exploring
advanced technologies like AI for smarter energy management and expanding compatibility
with renewable energy sources, ensuring that NexGen remains relevant and efficient in
meeting evolving consumer needs.
WAS THE PROBLEM SOLVED?
Yes, by developing the NexGen all-in-one energy solution, we addressed the core issues of
unreliable electricity supply and the limitations of existing systems. The integration of a durable
LiFePO₄ battery, efficient inverter, and smart energy management allows for reliable power
delivery, supporting both small and heavy appliances. This approach enhances accessibility and
affordability for households, positioning NexGen as a practical solution to Nigeria's energy
challenges.
THANKS
GROUP B