AEI conducts applied engineering research with a single requirement: every study must produce a system that works in the field. Research that does not reach a deployable outcome does not reach publication.
Each figure corresponds to a verified output: a deployed system, a peer-reviewed publication, or a funded active project.
AEI makes its research openly available so that engineers, institutions, and partners can review, replicate, and build on it.
Abstract
This paper presents the design and field deployment of a GSM-enabled smart prepaid energy meter developed for off-grid communities. The system integrates an ESP32 microcontroller, ACS712 current sensor, and SIM800L GSM module. Credit is loaded remotely over a mobile network; the meter monitors consumption in real time and disconnects the load automatically when the balance is exhausted.
Conventional prepaid metering systems require grid connectivity and centralised vending infrastructure unavailable to off-grid communities. The system described here operates independently of both. Field validation across multiple sites in Delta State confirmed measurement accuracy within ±2% and consistent GSM-based credit loading performance.
Keywords
Citation
AEI's research is applied by design. Each theme addresses a defined infrastructure problem and is directed toward a deployable hardware outcome.
A GSM-connected prepaid energy meter that operates without grid infrastructure. Supports remote credit loading via mobile network, real-time consumption monitoring, and automatic load disconnection. Field-validated measurement accuracy: ±2%.
A field investigation of the effects of temperature variation, humidity, and particulate matter on photovoltaic panel output degradation. On-device sensor logging is cross-referenced against NASA POWER satellite data. Study location: Ozoro, Delta State.
An RFID-based institutional access management system with on-device SHA-256 credential encryption, timestamped audit logging, and Firebase cloud synchronisation. Developed and field-tested in active institutional deployment.
SEMS began with a question about where building fires actually start. The answer, often enough, is the distribution board. So the platform meters and switches every channel, and puts heat, smoke and flame sensors inside the enclosure where the fault begins. Load shedding runs on rules the owner sets, dropping non-essential circuits when voltage sags or total draw crosses a limit. Control runs over both cloud and Bluetooth, so a dead router does not mean a board nobody can touch. All of it built for buildings that need energy intelligence without proprietary infrastructure priced in dollars.
A connected LPG safety system using HX711 load cell sensing for cylinder weight monitoring and MQ-4 gas detection. Upon leak detection, the solenoid valve closes automatically. No manual intervention required.
An IoT-enabled water distribution management system providing real-time flow monitoring, automated leak detection, and remote valve control. Funded by the Vision to Venture (V2V) Grant (2026). Currently in active development.
AEI welcomes research collaboration with universities, industry partners, and development organisations. We contribute deployed hardware systems, real-world field data, and an established publication record to every engagement.
Joint research programmes, final-year project supervision, and co-authored publications in embedded systems and IoT.
Applied R&D engagements in which AEI develops sensing, monitoring, or automation solutions aligned with defined commercial objectives.
Hardware solutions for community development programmes in energy access, water management, and digital infrastructure.
AEI actively pursues research funding partnerships, contributing technical credibility, field deployment capability, and a verified publication record to joint applications.