KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

FACULTY OF MECHANICAL AND CHEMICAL

ENGINEERING.

CENG 291

THE ELECTRICAL SENSORS: A MEANS TO END

ELECTROCUTION IN JEI-RIVER.

VANGELA MARGARET NAA ADUKWEI VANDERPUYE

INDEX NUMBER: 3166620

OCTOBER 2021

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
My first and utmost thanks is to the Almighty God for granting me the grace and strength to
complete this project. Next, I would like to thank my parents for the necessary help, support,
advice, and resources to complete this project. God richly bless you. To all people, lecturers,
and supervisors who in one way or the other made the collection, gathering of information
and resources and putting together of this piece for this project successful, I say may you
never lack. God bless us all!

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ABSTRACT
Electrocution happens to be one of the silent killers in our communities today aside the
wide world known diseases. Unfortunately, not many see it to be as deadly as it is hence
explaining the reason people are easily found victims.
Statistics and studies show that about five in a hundred deaths are as a result of
electrocution. In 2019 alone, 166 deaths were recorded to be a result of electrocution, which
was a 3.75% increase in that recorded in 2018 (the highest number of electrical fatalities
since 2011).
Day in day out, by and by, the electrocution death rate rises. Why? New electrical
appliances spring up on the market, new and faster means of transmitting electricity emerge,
the haphazard tearing down of overhead electric transmission lines due to weather and
weather changes, not forgetting humans’ adaptability and comfort around these deadly but
living saving electric gadgets.
In this research report, the writer suggests a new and guileless way to curb and possibly,
solve this menace in our communities; the electric sensors. Just as it implies, the electric
sensors are supposed to sense the tear or cut in an overhead electric distribution cable. It is
that simple! An alarm in it goes off- to caution the public and the appropriate authorities of
the impending danger and lives are saved.

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Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ...................................................................................................................... 2
ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................................ 3
TABLE OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................................ 5
TABLE OF TABLES ............................................................................................................................. 5
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 6
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE ..................................................................................... 6
COMPOSITION OF THE REPORT ...................................................................................................... 7
METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................................................. 8
IDENTIFICATION AND SELECTION OF THE MAJOR PROBLEM IN THE KASOA-JEI
RIVER COMMUNITY. ..................................................................................................................... 8
CHALLENGES FACED DURING THE DATA COLLECTION PROCESS. .................................. 9
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ........................................................................................................... 11
DESCRIPTION OF MY COMMUNITY ......................................................................................... 11
MAP OF JEI RIVER COMMUNITY .......................................................................................... 12
NATURE, CHARACTERISTICS AND SCOPE OF THE IDENTIFIED AND SELECTED
PROBLEM............................................................................................................................................ 13
GENERAL CAUSES OF ELECTROCUTION ............................................................................... 13
CAUSES OF ELECTROCUTION IN JEI RIVER. .......................................................................... 13
EFFECTS OF ELECTROCUTION IN JEI- RIVER. ....................................................................... 17
DESCRIPTION OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING. ......................................................................... 18
PROPOSAL AND RECOMMENDATION OF SOLUTIONS. ........................................................... 19
CONCEPT 1 ........................................................................................................................................ 20
CONCEPT 2 ........................................................................................................................................ 22
CONCEPT 3 ........................................................................................................................................ 25
CONCLUSION ..................................................................................................................................... 28
REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................................... 29
APPENDIX A ................................................................................................................................... 30
APPENDIX B ........................................................................................................................................... 33

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TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: A problem representation chart. .............................................................................................. 9
Figure 2: A map showing the Jei River community ............................................................................. 12
Figure 3: A sagging overhead electric distribution line. ....................................................................... 13
Figure 4: Lack of maintenance culture leads to electric lines ending up like this. ............................... 14
Figure 5: Illegal connection by inhabitants. .......................................................................................... 15
Figure 6: Untimely response can cause loose(torn) cables like this to cause harm. ............................. 15
Figure 7: Summary of the causes of electrocution. ............................................................................... 16
Figure 8: Double insulated wires .......................................................................................................... 20
Figure 9: The core of a double insulated wire. ..................................................................................... 20
Figure 10: The electric sensor. .............................................................................................................. 27

TABLE OF TABLES
Table 1: Frequency of the problem identified ......................................................................................... 8
Table 2: The grading table. ................................................................................................................... 19

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INTRODUCTION
Engineering in Society (CENG 291) is targeted at imbibing in all first-year engineering
students, the need to study and appreciate engineering as early as can be. The course aims at
helping students to appreciate the role of Engineering in solving societal problems. Again, the
course is aimed at encouraging students to draw a link and close the gap between their chosen
fields of study and the real-world issues out there in their societies. At the end of the course,
students would have been able to:
Appreciate their chosen fields of engineering study, broaden their interest in their chosen
fields of engineering study, see and acknowledge the practical applications of the chosen
fields of engineering study and finally, suggest a way to solve at least one real world
problem.
As such, students are required to explore their various communities, find problems, and
propose workable solutions to address these problems.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE

This course is targeted at helping students to develop a sense of appreciation towards areas in the real
world where their chosen disciplines can be applied to, develop more interest in their chosen fields of
engineering, and instill to a sense of innovation and ingenuity in the lives of the young and rising
engineers.

Consequently, as an Aerospace Engineering student and from a critical and analytical point of view I
have noticed and sadly witnessed a number of deaths due to lose electric transmission lines in my
community, Kasoa-Jei River hence my choice for this project topic.

The main purpose of this project is to:

a. investigate why this really is a problem in my community.

b. bridge the gap between Aerospace Engineering and its usefulness in solving this problem.

c. suggest an innovative engineering solution to solve this problem.

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COMPOSITION OF THE REPORT
This report is mainly made up of:

1. Identification and selection of the major problem in the Kasoa-Jei River community.

2.Description of the chosen problem, its causes, and effects on the people in the Kasoa-Jei River
community.

3.The introduction of branches of Aerospace Engineering as a practical solution to, if possible, end
this problem

4.Proposal and recommendation of solutions.

a. Two unapproved concepts

b. One main and approved solution/concept

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 METHODOLOGY
IDENTIFICATION AND SELECTION OF THE MAJOR PROBLEM IN THE
KASOA-JEI RIVER COMMUNITY.
The data collection process for this project was done through a few activities. Some of the methods I
sought to involve:

• Questionnaires to inhabitants of the community.

• Internet based research and findings.

• Informal interviews with members of my household.

• Informal interview with a worker at the Electricity Company of Ghana, Kasoa branch.

• Personal Observations and conclusions.

After a careful and thorough research, I realized that the people of Jei-River had quite a number of
problems worst of them being electrocution due to lose electric transmission cables. First, visited a
few homes and shops in the vicinity to find out from the people, what really was a major issue of a
bother to them. I did this through interviews, questionnaires, and random talks with the inhabitants. In
the questionnaires, the people had the right to write and say whatever problem at all it was they found
disturbing in the community and answered a few questions related to their selected problems. I made
sure everyone in the community, both literate and illiterate, had a fair share of the interviews and
questionnaires. Table 1 shows the collection of data I received while Figure 1 is a representation of
the collected data

PROBLEM IDENTIFIED FREQUENCY

BAD ROADS 3
POOR SANITATION 4
ELECTROCUTION 9
LACK OF POTABLE WATER 3
POOR WASTE MANAGEMENT 2
SECURITY ISSUES 5
Table 1: Frequency of the problem identified

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Figure 1: A problem representation chart.

PROBLEM REPRESENTATION CHART

BAD ROADS POOR SANITATION ELECTROCUTION

LACK OF POTABLE WATER POOR WASTE MANAGEMENT SECURITY ISSUES

From the above acquired information, it was noticeably clear that electrocution is the major challenge
in my community

CHALLENGES FACED DURING THE DATA COLLECTION PROCESS.

I faced quite a number of problems in the process of gathering data for the selection of a topic. Some
of which include;

1. Fear: Some of the residents did not believe my originality and claim as a student conducting
research. However, days after, this issue was resolved by me showing them my student identification
card and the letter to this effect. Others were afraid to give out information about their neighbors
which they considered confidential for fear of being ostracized by society.

2.Illiteracy: Some of the inhabitants were illiterates therefore could not read the questionnaires. I had
to interpret the questionnaires into their native languages and also help some of them with the filling
of the questionnaires.

3. Superstitious beliefs: The residents, particularly the old people, refused to collaborate with me on
this research because they believed deaths caused by electrocution were very normal and was a way

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of the victim being punished for a wrongdoing done in the past. I managed though to pull a few along
with me on this research journey.

4.Some inhabitants also saw it to be time wasting and useless.

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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
DESCRIPTION OF MY COMMUNITY
Kasoa, formerly known as Odupongkpehe, is a peri-urban town in the Awutu Senya East Municipal
District of the Central Region of Ghana. It houses many communities of which Jei-River, my
community can be found. As the name depicts, there was a river lying somewhere in the community
which was called Jei hence the name Jei River. The community is located on the North borders of the
Kasoa township. Kasoa can be located on coordinates 05 31 12N, 00 28 48W (Latitude: 5.5200;
Longitude: -0.4800) and has an average elevation of 75m above sea level. The town experiences a
five-month dry season lasting from November through March. During the dry season, the northeast
trade winds are prominent. The dry season is followed by a seven-month rainy season that lasts from
April through October. (“Kasoa, Ghana - Wikipedia”) The rainy season is mostly characterized by
flooding and low crop yield. Kasoa has an estimated population of about 370,384 people and the most
commonly spoken languages are Awutu, Akan and Ga. However other languages like English, Ewe
and Hausa are spoken by some of the indigenes. Odupongkpehe was the traditional home to the
Awutu tribe who belong to the Guan ethnic group. Kasoa is the home to one of the most prominent
markets in the district. Agro-processed products are popular items at these markets. One of these
common products is cassava that has been processed into popular food items called ‘agbelima’ and
‘gari.’ Agriculture and business associated with agriculture is one of the leading economic activities
for the working population in the town. In response to the growing need for peri-urban transport,
private enterprises have been developed in the form of privately owned ‘trotro’ and shared taxis which
provide transportation for passengers, goods, and animals. (“Kasoa - Wikipedia”) The political
organization of Kasoa is semi-traditional. It is a society ruled by a chief whose authority is recognized
by all who live within the established boundaries of his territory. (“Kasoa - Wikipedia”)

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MAP OF JEI RIVER COMMUNITY

Figure 2: A map showing the Jei River community

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NATURE, CHARACTERISTICS AND SCOPE OF THE
IDENTIFIED AND SELECTED PROBLEM
GENERAL CAUSES OF ELECTROCUTION
1.Separating an electric wire from its external environment prevents the flow of charges out of the
wire into places that it is not supposed to go (for example a person who touches the wire)
2.Exposure of wires to water can corrode the wires thereby increasing their resistance which in turn
creates heat build-up that the system was not designed for.

CAUSES OF ELECTROCUTION IN JEI RIVER.

1.Effects due to the weather.
Jei River experiences 7 months of rainfall. Even though the place is not an orographic area, the
climate is a very rainy one. They are also 5 months of dry season in the area. As a result of the
weather, sagging of the overhead distribution cables is very prominent in Jei-River. Sagging occurs
when due to change in atmospheric weather, metallic objects contract and expand continuously. This
continuous contraction and expansion results in the electric distribution cables becoming loose over
time. When it rains, such loose electric distribution lines fall down and in the rush of things, when the
inhabitants step on them, it leads to electrocution.

Figure 3: A sagging overhead electric distribution line.

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2. Lack of maintenance culture.
Maintenance culture defines the values, way of thinking, behavior, perception, and underlying
assumptions of any person or group or society that considers maintenance as a matter that is
important(priority) and practices it in their lives. (“The Angle - Safety And Maintenance Culture Prt1
- Loveworld XP”) It is the set of necessary actions taken by a particular group of people that share a
common believe for retaining or restoring a piece of equipment, machine, building or system to the
specified operable condition to achieve its maximum lifespan. Almost always when overhead electric
transmission lines are faulty or break, the appropriate authority does not fix the issue on time. When it
rains, such cables are likely to fall which consequently will result in electrocution when tempered
with.

Figure 4: Lack of maintenance culture leads to electric lines ending up like this.

3. Illegal and unqualified electric connections

In Jei-River, a number of the overhead transmission cables were connected by either the inhabitants or
unprofessional electricians. Such cables are hence likely to sag at the least weather disturbance and
this can consequently lead to electrocution if care is not taken.

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 Figure 5: Illegal connection by inhabitants.

4. Undue/untimely response from the appropriate authorities.

Most off the times, the institution responsible for seeing to the maintenance and servicing of the
loose(torn) electric transmission cables do not respond on time or do nothing at all about it. This was a
response that I got from majority of the inhabitants through the questionnaires. This also consequently
may lead to electrocution if care is not taken.

Figure 6: Untimely response can cause loose(torn) cables like this to cause harm.

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SUMMARY OF THE CAUSES OF ELECTROCUTION IN JEI-
RIVER.

Lack of
Effects due to
Maintenance
the weather
Culture

Undue/
Illegal and
untimely
unqualified
response from
electric
the appropriate
connections
authorities

Figure 7: Summary of the causes of electrocution.

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EFFECTS OF ELECTROCUTION IN JEI- RIVER.
Electrocution has more effects than meets the eye. The first and disturbing effect of electrocution is
death. Statistics and studies show that about five in a hundred deaths are as a result of
electrocution. In 2019 alone, 166 deaths were recorded to be a result of electrocution, which
was a 3.75% increase in that recorded in 2018 (the highest number of electrical fatalities
since 2011). Death due to electrocution consequently leads to a loss in human capital in the
community and the country as a whole. Families also lose their breadwinners and loved ones
through unfortunate incidents like this. Again, electrocution can affect the central nervous
system, motor neurons and other nerves as well as their control centers in the brain. These
areas are damaged often leading to a permanent impairment. Other minor effects of
electrocution (from household electric appliances) are blisters, seizures, muscle strain,
arrhythmia, pins and needles, difficulty in breathing and abnormal heartbeat.

SUMMARY OF THE EFFECTS OF ELECTROCUTION.

•Leads to loss of
human capital
DEATH
•Loss of breadwinners
and loved ones

ABNORMAL •Can affect the Central

HEARTBEAT, Nervous System
DIFFICULTY IN
BREATHING •May lead to
ETC permanent impairment

BLISTERS, PINS •May cause discomfort

AND NEEDLES, and pain
ARRHYTHMIA
•May lead to injury

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DESCRIPTION OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING.
Aerospace Engineering is the primary branch of engineering concerned with the research, design,
development, construction, testing, science, and technology of aircraft and spacecraft.
(“AEROSPACE ENGINEERING 9.1 Definition: Aerospace ...”). It has two main overlapping
branches: Aeronautical Engineering and Astronautical Engineering. Aeronautical Engineering is the
branch that deals with the study of flight and all other related activities while Astronautical
Engineering deals with the travel in outer space.

SUB-DISCIPLINES OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING.

Aerospace Engineering has many sub-disciplines and as the course progresses, new sub-disciplines
spring up. Among the well-known fields of Aerospace Engineering, we have: Avionics,
Aerodynamics, Flight Dynamics and Control, Propulsion, Materials and Structures Engineering and
Systems design.

Behind every aircraft, drone, or spacecraft out there in space, is an electrical system that works to
ensure the efficient and workable use of the machine in question. Again, drones, which are the new
face in the Aerospace industry now, have sensors in them which help them to function effectively and
efficiently.

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PROPOSAL AND RECOMMENDATION OF SOLUTIONS.
After a careful research and analysis, I produced three plausible solutions(concepts) to help solve the
issue of electrocution in Jei-River. Two of these plausible solutions failed to meet the grading criteria
and one, the last one, successfully passed the grading test.

EXPLANATION OF THE GRADING CRITERIA/TABLE

The grading table is a criterion I employed to help me select among my three plausible solutions,
which of them is feasible, effective, most functionable, has low cost, easy access to materials,
adaptable, durable and can withstand adverse weather conditions. Per the legend, the concept that
came out with the least marks passed the test and vice versa.

ELEMENTS CONCEPT CONCEPT CONCEPT

1 2 3
FEASIBILITY 1 2 1
EFFECTIVENESS 3 3 1
FUNCTIONABILITY 3 1 1
COST 4 5 4
ACCESS TO MATERIALS 3 3 4
ADAPTABILITY 2 3 1
ATTITUDE TOWARDS ADVERSE 1 3 1
WEATHER CONDITIONS
DURABILITY 2 1 1
Total 19 21 14
Table 2: The grading table.

LEGEND
1-EXCELLENT
2-VERY GOOD
3-GOOD
4-CREDIT
5-PASS

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 CONCEPT 1
DOUBLE INSULATION OF OVERHEAD DISTRIBUTION CABLES.
Double insulation, invented by Spencer Rees in November of 1969 is insulation that consists of both
basic insulation and supplementary insulation. It is normally done with polyethylene, Polyvinyl
Chloride, Kapton, rubber-like polymers, oil, impregnated paper, Teflon, silicon, modified ethylene
and tetrafluoroethylene. Appliances such as hand dryers, blenders, kettles, and many others use this
double insulation property and hence give little to no electric shocks when faulty.

Figure 8: Double insulated wires

Double insulated wires have plastic cases without any wires connected to the case. This means that
the case cannot become live because plastic does not conduct electricity. So, if one layer of insulation
is damaged, it is still safe to hold. Again, double insulated wires can prevent the wire from being
broken due to friction, thereby preventing leakage, and ensuring safe power. In this concept, if all
overhead distribution cables are double insulated, chances that it will break is extremely low and even
if it should break, when the inhabitants step on it when it rains, there will be no case of electrocution.

Figure 9: The core of a double insulated wire.

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ADVANTAGES OF THIS CONCEPT.
1.Protects the user from electrical shock by preventing the possibility of the external casing from
becoming live. This will go a long way to save human lives, in that even when it rains and the
inhabitants step on these overhead distribution cables, there will be near to no effect.
2.It is very feasible and can withstand adverse weather conditions: Double insulated wires can
withstand adverse weather conditions.

DISADVANTAGES OF THIS CONCEPT.

1.A double insulated overhead distribution cable with that thickness would ruin dissipating heat
capacity of the conductor which would greatly reduce the conductivity of the conductor.
2.It is very costly: For this concept to pull through, every overhead electric distribution line in Jei-
River would have to be double insulated with either of any of the materials required for double
insulation. This will be very costly on the finances of the country.

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 CONCEPT 2
A NEW METHOD OF FABRICATION OF OVERHEAD ELECTRIC CABLES.
Before I delve into this new suggested method of overhead electric cables fabrication, I would like us
to look at the types of electric cables, their uses, and functions.
After electricity has been generated by the various powerplants in the country, authorized institutions
like the Volta River Authority and the Ghana Grid Company make sure that the electricity is carried
to our homes conveniently. This is exactly where the overhead electric transmission and distribution
cables come in. Electric transmission cables are most often made of copper. However, in recent times,
Aluminum is used as a constituent metal in the electric cables manufacture process. Both metals have
conductivity, high ductility and high tensile strength making it easier and more convenient to be used.
The only limitation in preferring Aluminum over Copper lies in its cost. Aluminum is cheaper than
Copper. Albeit, Copper has a high current density which means it can carry more current per cross-
sectional area and it also has a high resistance to heat. There are several diverse types of electrical
wires and cables. Some examples are listed as follows;

1. Direct-Buried Cable (DBC): they are used for communication and power transmission. They
are specifically designed to be buried directly underground without the need of extra
insulation, sheathing or piping.

2. Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable (NM, NM-B): is a type of cable whose outer sheath is made of
plastic that protects the inside conductors. It is commonly used for residential electric wiring.

3. Multi Conductor or Multicore Cable: has multiple conductors with insulated sheaths that are
rolled into one jacketed cable.

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 4. Metallic Sheathed Cable (Armored Cable, AC or BX, MC): as its name suggests, it is a type
of armored electrical cable with a metallic protection over the insulated conductors.

5. Communications Cable: those that are used for communication or signal transmission
purposes.

In this concept, I suggested that entirely different metals and materials should be used in the
production of overhead electric transmission cables. Why? If this new metal (which is a good
conductor of electricity and which when tempered with, will not lead to electrocution) can equally and
safely conduct electricity to our homes is used, I believe that electrocution will be reduced to its barest
minimum in Jei-River. From my research, I found out that silver, brass and even gold are equally
good conductors of electricity. Silver is the best conductor of electricity because it contains a higher
number of movable atoms (free a electrons). For a material to be a good conductor, the electricity
passed through it must be able to move the electrons; the more the free electrons in the metal, the
greater its conductivity. (“Which Metal is the Best Conductor? | Does Aluminum Conduct ...”)
However, it is the expensive and will produce the same or even more electrocuting effect when
tempered with. Gold on the other hand is a good electric conductor and does not tarnish like the other
metals when exposed to the air. (“What Metals Make Good Conductors of Electricity? | Sciencing”) It
is also awfully expensive and will also produce the same electrocuting effect as Aluminum and
Copper and hence not an option at all. Due to this and more, this proposal did not pass the grading
criteria.

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REASONS WHY ALUMINIUM AND COPPER ARE THE MOST SUITABLE FOR
ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION CABLES AND HENCE ANY OTHER METALS CANNOT BE
USED.
1.They are inexpensive.
2.They are very ductile.
3.They have high thermal resistance.

ADVANTAGES OF THIS CONCEPT

1.This new cable can equally transmit electricity to our homes.
2. The new materials(metals) have equally or a better electrical conductivity.

DISADVANTAGES OF THIS CONCEPT.

1.The new materials(metals) are expensive compared to Aluminium and Copper

2.The metal has a low thermal resistance compared to Aluminium and Copper.

3.The new materials(metals) will produce the same or worse electrocuting effect as Aluminium and
Copper.

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 CONCEPT 3
THE ELECTRIC SENSOR.

A sensor is a device or organ that detects certain external stimuli and responds in a distinctive manner.
(“Sensor vs Detector - What's the difference? | WikiDiff”). In this concept, an electric sensor will be
placed in between the wooden pole (that supports the electric distribution line) and the tip of every
overhead electric distribution line in Jei-River community. When there is a tear or loose end in the
cable, an alarm in the electric sensor will go off to alert the inhabitants of the impending danger.
Consequently, information is sent to the ECG substation in the community about the loose(torn)
electric cable and they are hence compelled to act on it.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ELECTRIC SENSOR AND HOW IT WORKS.

The electric sensor is aimed to work almost similarly to the ionizing smoke detector. In the sensor is a
small chamber that consists of two oppositely charged metal plates that are kept a small distance
apart. An alpha particle (Americium 241) which is practically very harmless is stored in the sensor.
When the alpha particle interacts with the air in the chamber, they produce ions. The positively
charged plate attracts the negative ions, and the negatively charged plate attracts the positive ions.
This system creates a small electric current in the sensor. When there is a tear in the overhead electric
distribution line, it disrupts the electric current and an alarm is triggered. The ECG substation in Jei-
River community will have a direct access to the sensor in their working room. As the alarm blurs in
the community, a similar blurring goes on in the substation to alert them of the tear and they work on
it as soon as can be.

The sensor runs on an alkaline battery to operate the alarm and also serves as a back-up should in case
there is no generation of current by the alpha particles and metal plates. It also has capacitors for
storing electrical charges produced by the battery, as well as resistors for controlling the circuit,

COMPONENTS OF THE ELECTRIC SENSOR.

1.Americium 241: produces alpha particles in the sensor.
2.Positive and negative charged plates: with the help of the alpha particles, the generate a flow of
electricity.
3.An alarm: blurs to inform the inhabitants and appropriate authority of impending danger.
4.External plastic casing: houses the internal components of the sensor. It should be made of a plastic
or insulating material for example Kapton, polyvinyl chloride and many others.
5. An alkaline battery to produce electric current
6. Capacitors and resistors for the control and management of the circuit.

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CHARACTERISTICS/FEATURES OF THE ELECTRIC SENSOR.

1.It can withstand adverse weather conditions: because of this, the sensor is dependable and safe to
use. There is no fear of it getting spoilt due to heavy rains or elevated temperatures.

2.It has high thermal resistance: the sensor can resist the high amount of heat emitted during the
distribution of electricity by the overhead distribution cable.

3.The external casing is an insulator: since the external casing is an insulator, chances that the ECG
personnel will be electrocuted by it during the installation, servicing and maintenance is incredibly
low.

4. It is workable in all conditions: the sensor can work in all conditions; day or night, rain, or shine.

ADVANTAGES OF THIS CONCEPT.

1.It is highly effective and dependable: The electric sensor will immediately after a tear send
information to the authorities and inhabitants hence it is very dependable and effective
2.It has 90% chance of working properly: If installed properly and serviced regularly, the electric
sensor is estimated to have an 90% chance of not failing in its duties.
3.It can withstand elevated temperatures and adverse weather conditions: The sensor has been
designed in a way such that makes it able to withstand rainfall, elevated temperatures, fog, snow and
what have you, thanks to its external casing.
4.It has an estimatedly long lifespan: The sensor has been designed in a way to ensure that it has a
long and effective lifespan. However, it needs regular servicing in order to meet this goal.

DISADVANTAGES OF THIS CONCEPT

1.It is very costly: The materials needed to make this sensor are very costly and a little difficult to
find. An example is the Americium 241 which produces the alpha particles. Without it, the sensor
cannot function.
2.Maintenance and servicing: If there be any fault with this sensor, it has to be checked and the
problem fixed. The sensor needs a frequent servicing plan to ensure its maximum workability.
3.Education: The inhabitants and the ECG personnel need to be educated on how to use, maintain and
service this sensor before it can be used to its fullest capacity.

CONCEPTUAL DRAWING.

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Inasmuch as this concept was partially borrowed from the ionizing smoke detector, below is a
circuitry diagram of how I suggest the internal parts of the electric sensor should like.

Figure 10: The electric sensor.

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CONCLUSION
Electrocution is a major canker in Jei-River which for some time now, has been ripping off the
community of its vibrant youth and people. After a series of talks and chats with the people in the
community, I realized that a lot has to be done about this problem before it gets out of control. Albeit
the government has to also intervene in this very crucial problem at hand. The inhabitants however
need to be educated on how and what they can do to prevent any mishappening due to electrocution
from occurring to them. We, the people of Jei-River community deserve a second chance to life and
deserve better!

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(2020). (“Ghana lacks facility management not maintenance – Africafm ...”) .

(n.d.). (“How a Smoke Alarm Works - Today I Found Out”) .

(2020). (“What happens when electricity is passed through human body ...”).

(2019). . (“Types of multi core cables or multi conductor. - Opera News”).

(2020). 1. (“Module-3-Types-of-Wire-and-Cable.docx - Table of Contents ...”).

Earth, G. (n.d.). Map of Jei-River retrieved from. https://www.earth.google.com.

History, political administration, economy of Kasoa retrieved from. (n.d.).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kasoa.

(2021). Mayo Clinic. Wikipedia.

(2021). Properties of Gold, Silver and Brass retrieved from.

https://www.sciencing.com/disadvantages-nonferrous-metals-8576052.html.

Types of cables and their pictures retrieved from. (n.d.).

https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2020/04/types-wires-cables.html.

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Effects of electrocution retrieved from. https://www.brainandspinalcord.org.

Wiktionary, E. D. (2021). Definition of Aerospace Engineering retrieved from.

https://www.wiktionary.com.

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APPENDIX A

MY RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE
KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Topic: PROBLEMS IN JEI-RIVER COMMUNITY

Dear Sir/ Madam, I am Vangela Vanderpuye, a level 100 student at the KWAME NKRUMAH
UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY pursuing BSc. Aerospace Engineering. This
questionnaire is an academic exercise which is part of the requirements in partial fulfilment of a
course, Engineering in Society. This study aims at identifying some problems in the community that
require immediate attention and how they can be solved with Engineering. I swear my secrecy to any
information you will provide. Under no circumstance will your name, identity or whatsoever be
revealed to any persons be it the authorities or any. Please spare me some few minutes of your busy
schedule to fill this questionnaire.

PART ONE
PERSONAL INFORMATION.
Underline or circle one:
1. Which one of them are you in Jei-River Community?
a. Resident b. Traveler c. Other………………………….….

2. What is your age bracket?

a.12-17 b.18-30 c.31-50 d. Above 50

3.What is your gender?

a. Male b. Female c. Other…………………

4. What is your highest level of education?

a. Primary school b. Middle school c. Senior high school d. Tertiary e. Other…………………

5.What is your occupation?

a. Student b. Worker c. Self-employed other…………………….

PART TWO

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 PROBLEMS IN JEI-RIVER COMMUNITY
6.How long have you lived in Jei-River?
a. Less than a year b. Less than 3 or equal to years c. Above 5 years d. Above 10 years

6.What problem in this community worries you the most?

Answer…………

7.For how many years has this problem persisted?

Answer……………

8. Have you reported the problem to the appropriate authorities?

a. Yes b. No c. I do not see the need d. I will do that at the right time

9. If yes, how did the appropriate authorities take and manage your report?
a. They brushed it off b. They did not treat it as important c. They promised to fix the problem d.
Other………………………………………………

10. Has anything been done about the problem?

a. Not yet b. Yes, the problem has been solved c.
Other…………………………………………………...

PART THREE
ABOUT YOUR SELECTED PROBLEM
11.When did you realize this problem?
Answer……………………………………………………………………………………….…

12.What do you think causes this problem?

Answer…………………………………………………………………………………………………

13. Has it affected this community positively or negatively?

Give a brief reason........................................................................

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14. What do you think can be done to solve this problem?
Answer………………………………………………………………………………………………

15. Where do you see Jei-River in the next 5 years if nothing is done to solve this problem?
Answer………………………………………………………………………………………………

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APPENDIX B

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