CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO THE TRAINING PROGRAM

1.1 OVERVIEW OF SIWES

The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is a skills training

programme designed to expose and prepare students of universities and other
tertiary institutions for the Industrial Work situation they are likely to meet after
graduation. It is also a planned and structured programme based on stated and
specific career objectives which are geared towards developing the occupational
competencies of participants [1]. Consequently, the SIWES programme is a
compulsory graduation requirement for all Nigerian university students offering
certain courses.

The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is the accepted

training programme, which is part of the approved Minimum Academic
Standard in the various degree programmes for all Nigerian Universities. The
scheme is aimed at bridging the existing gap between theory and practice of
Sciences, Agriculture, Medical Sciences (including Nursing), Engineering and
Technology, Management, and Information and Communication Technology
and other professional educational programmes in the Nigerian tertiary
institutions. It is aimed at exposing students to machines and equipment,
professional work methods and ways of safeguarding the work areas and
workers in industries, offices, laboratories, hospitals and other organizations.[2]

1.1.1 OBJECTIVES OF SIWES

Prior to establishing the Scheme, industrialists and other employers of labor felt
concerned that graduates of Nigeria Universities were deficient in practical
background studies preparatory for employment in Industries and other
organizations. The employers thus concluded that the theoretical education
being received in our higher institutions was not responsive to the needs of the
employers of labor. Consequently, the rationale for initiating and designing the
scheme by the Industrial Training Funds ITF, in 1973.[3]

The scheme is a tripartite programme involving the students, the universities

and the employers of labor. It is funded by the Federal Government and jointly
coordinated by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the National Universities
Commission (NUC).

To provide an avenue for students in the Nigerian universities to acquire

industrial skills and experience during their course of study;

To prepare students for the work situation they are likely to meet after
graduation;

To expose the students to work methods and techniques in handling equipment

and machinery that may not be available in their universities;

To allow the transition phase from school to the world of working environment
easier and facilitate students’ contact for later job placements;

To provide students with an opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in

real work situation thereby bridging the gap between theories and practical.

ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SIWES

PROGRAMME AND THEIR ROLES

The Federal Government, the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), the Supervising
Agency, National Universities Commission, NUC, Employers of labor and
Institutions has specific roles to play in the management of SIWES. The roles
are:

1. The Federal Government

To provide adequate funds to the ITF through the Federal Ministry of Industry
for the scheme;

To make it mandatory for all ministries, companies and parastatals to offer

places to students in accordance with the provisions of Decree No. 47 of 1971
as amended in 1990;

. Formulate policies to guide the running of the scheme nationally.

2. The Industrial Training Fund (ITF). This agency is to:

Formulate policies and guidelines on SIWES for distribution to all the SIWES
participating bodies;

Provide logistic material needed to administer the scheme;

Organize orientation programmes for students prior to attachment;

Provide information on companies for attachment and assist in industrial

placement of students;

Supervise students on Industrial attachment;

Accept and process Master and Placement lists from institutions and supervising
agencies;

Vet and process students’ logbooks and ITF Form 8.

3. The Supervisory Agencies (NUC, NABTEB, etc)

The NUC is to:

To ensure the establishment and accreditation of SIWES unit/Directorate in

institutions under their jurisdiction;

To vet and approve Master and Placement lists of students from participating
institution and forward same to ITF;

Fund SIWES Directorate adequately in participating institutions;

To direct for the appointment of full-time SIWES Coordinator/Director;

Review programmes qualified from SIWES regularly;

Participate in the Biennial SIWES conferences and seminars in conjunction with

ITF. [4]

1.2BACKGROUND OF ESTABLISHMENT
Indicel Solar was established in 2009, and has deliberately positioned itself to
deliver world-class energy efficient technology solutions to its current and
potential Customers in areas where our customers realize the highest
expenditure with very little controls. [5]

Indicel Solar specializes in supplying first-class Photovoltaic Modules and

providing top technical services on solar energy, to develop and enhance solar
technology and provide the most reliable and affordable solar energy in global
and African markets.

To gain complete control over a vertical value chain from supplying solar
energy, our aim is to generate energy for the future. We set global standards in
achieving this goal.

We develop, plan, build and operate solar plants and systems up to the multi-
megawatt range and are a specialist wholesaler of turnkey photovoltaic plants
and systems, solar modules, inverters and all other components.

Solar power remains the most secure source of energy for the future.

Indicel Solar provide sales and installation of solar systems ranging from solar
panels, solar inverters, solar batteries, solar charge controllers, solar mc4
extension cables, solar lanterns etc.

Indicel Dynamic company has succeeded in installing renewable energy in most

states across Nigeria both residential, industries schools and banks.

Over time Indicel Dynamic Company has partnered with top brand in the
industries such as Luminous, iPower, Felicity Solar to mention are few to both
distribute, market and install their devices.

1.2.1 VISION OF ESTABLISHMENT

Indicel Dynamic Company has one major vision which is to ensure energy
availability to all people around its environs using the world safest energy
which is the solar energy.

1.2.2 THE FUNCTION OF THE ORGANIZATION

Indicel Dynamic Company AKA Indicel Solar is a renewable energy

company in which their major function includes:
  Design of solar panel
 Solar panel Installations
 Inverter system Installations
 Off grid solar system installation
 Battery design, connections and installations
 Wind turbine Installation
 Advisories

1.3 ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT

Fig 1.1
 CHAPTER 2
2.1 SPECIFIC FUNCTION OF DEPARTMENT OF THE COMPANY

a) Chief Technical Installers: This department consists of expert whose main

work involves the general electrical connections, solar energy designs, battery
installations and maintenance.

They are in charge of any field work and both internal and external site; they
also ensure that interns are very much aware of what is happening in the
company.

b) Marketers: This department consists of individuals who are expert in digital

and physical marketing. They ensure that the company doesn’t run out of
clients. \

They take over the advertisement of the company through banners and billboard
and also through social media.

c) Secretary: This department consists of two individuals who are always at the
front desk of the company to ensure smooth services to the customers. They
also serve as assistant to the manger in scenarios whereby the manager is
absent.

They ensure that customers get the best treatment and they also head the board
meetings. They see that the company pricelist is up to date.

d) Electricians: This department consists of electrical engineers who overseas

any electrical installation during any project execution.

They are experienced in industrial maintenance, residential wiring and electrical

designs.

They are in charge of load separation whenever an off grid solar system is being
installed. This department consists of about 10 engineers as this field is one of
the major categories in our organization.

e) Solar Installers: This department consists of renewable energy engineers.

They are in charge of designing and installation of solar panels. They are also in
charge of installing the inverter system and its maintenance.

The solar installers work in hand with the customers to design specification to
suit their home test.
During project execution they are the first to start work before the electricians
takes over. They ensure that the final execution corresponds to their designs.

Before project execution this department goes to investigate the site to study
their roof structure and its tilt angle to determine how the final project would
work.

f) Sales Expert: These departments consist of a sales person who is up to date

with the whole components price list and they are persuasive enough to
convince prospect buyers to patronize our company.

They are also in charge of contacting the manufacturers for update and also on
discussions patterning guarantees.

g) Cleaner: This individual ensures that the company is always clean and they
make sure the waste bin are always evacuated. Their work is basically internal
in the sense that it only reflects to our company not to our prospect.
 CHAPTER 3
EXPERIENCE OBTAINED AT PLACE OF ESTABLISHMENT
3.1 INTRODUCTION TO SOLAR SYSTEM

The installation of solar power systems requires certain professional

background qualifications and certification for working with high voltages and
current dangerous to human life and for installing solar power sytems and
appliances. [6]

So at first we were introduced to the various risks involved in solar system

installation to enable uninterested interns to easily opt out.

We were introduced to the basic of solar system which I learnt that a solar
system converts sunlight into electrical energy.

I got to know that the main component of a photovoltaic system is the solar
panel and a solar panel consists of connected solar cells. Solar panels are
connected into solar arrays to achieve higher energy output.

I got to know that the solar panels are made of semiconductor material capable
of producing electricity when exposed to sunlight.

We were taught that the generated power could be used right away, stored in a
battery for later use, or Converted to AC power, and then either used by
electrical appliances or exported to the utility grid.

3.1.1 SOLAR PANELS

We were introduced to the main component behind the solar panel which were
silicon. I learnt that the solar panels are of different categories which were:

 Monocrystalline panels
 Polycrystalline panels
 Thin film panels

I learnt that Monocrystalline panels are the most efficiency, but they are also the
most expensive. Efficiency of a panel is the power output provided per unit area
of the panel.
While I observed that the polycrystalline panels differ also in their efficiency. I
also learnt that the thin-film panels are made by amorphous silicon spread on a
plastic surface. Thin film panels has shorter life span and its more affordable.

I was taught that the type and efficiency of the panel is not only the factor that
would determine a higher output power. Some other major factors are:

 Shading
 Orientation
 Tilting
 Temperature

I learnt that the nominal voltage of a solar panel usually corresponds to the
battery voltage for which the panel is designed.

3.1.2 SOLAR PANEL CONNECTIONS

We experimented on solar panel connections and I learnt that there are two
methods of connecting the solar panels which are:

 Series connection
 Parallel connection

I discovered that the total power of the solar array is the sum of the powers of
the connected solar panels.

I also saw that in series connection there is an increase in voltage and the
current remains constant while in parallel connections there is an increase in
current and the voltage remains constant.

I discovered during an installation that the solar panels must produce a voltage
higher than the battery voltage otherwise, the battery cannot be charged.

During a a project execution I discovered that mixing different solar panels can
decrease the solar generated power since the output power is limited by the
most poorly performing panel in the array.

Therefore I was told by my supervisor that mixing different solar panels is not
recommended.

3.1.3 BATTERIES
After my first installation I learnt that every solar system must need a power
bank where by power generated by the sunlight can be stored and used when the
solar panels can no longer detect sunlight especially at night and during heavy
cloudy days.

We studied how batteries are made and I learnt that batteries are
electrochemical cells connected in series. That is they convert chemical energy
to electrical energy.

I learnt that not all batteries are capable of storing solar generated electricity
therefore only Deep cycle batteries can store solar energy.

Deep cycle batteries are batteries that are recharged at much slower rate. Its
discharge itself down to 50% and fully recharge.[7]

I learnt that evry deep cycle battery has a rated number of charge/recharge
cycles it can withstand before it has to be replaced.

I learnt that they are various batteries used in solar system which include:

 Lead-acid batteries
 Lithium ion batteries

I saw that lead acid batteries comes in variety of configurations such as

 Flooded
 Gelled
 Sealed AGM

They are all based on the same chemistry but differ in the construction of their
plates.

I learnt that the battery can also be connected either in series or in parallel just
like the way the solar panel are connected.

I also learnt that its is very risky to connect the two terminals of the same
battery or solar panel together as it can lead to deadly explosion which can harm
the environment and its habitant.

3.1.4 CHARGE CONTROLLERS AND ITS USAGE

While working I learnt that charge controllers is a device that tends to protect
the battery from the solar panels.
I saw the usefulness of a charge controller because if the solar generated
electricity is not regulated, the battery can get overcharged.

At night, when the sun is not shinning the electricity stored in the battery can
flow back into the solar panels and the battery can get discharged.

Therefore I saw that the charge controller serves as a regulator that’s limits the
current flowing from the panels to the battery.

I was able to know that charge controllers are the battery manager of a solar
panel system. And there are two major types of solar panel which are:

 Pulse width Modulation (PWM)

 Maximum power Point Tracking (MPPT)

I noticed that PWM controllers are only recommended for small solar power
systems, while MPPT for larger solar systems because they are usually provided
with a step-down feature enabling you to connect a 24V solar panel to a 12V
battery.

I learnt that PWM controllers can only be used on lead acid batteries not on
lithium batteries.

I realized that knowing the right charge controllers to use depends on the rated
power of the solar panel and the voltages of the battery at use.

3.1.5 INVERTER SYSTEM

I learnt that every grid-tied system must have an inverter. I learnt that the
inverter converts Direct Current (DC) voltage from the solar array into AC
voltages that can power every home appliance.

I learnt that in off-grid inverters, it takes DC power from the battery and
converts it to AC power.

I also discovered that there are three main types of off grid inverters according
to the form of the output AC voltage they produce.

 Pure sine wave inverters

 Square wave inverters
 Modified Sine wave inverters
From the technical installation that was going on I discovered that pure sine
waves are the most suitable type of waves that would effectively power every
home appliance without any damage.

I learnt that they are new technology off grid inverters that enable one to use
without purchase or installation of any kind of charge controllers. Such inverters
are known to be Hybrid inverters.

3.2 FULL SYSTEM INSTALLATION

After we were taught the unique functions of all the solar components we were
given a platform to practice with the experts in the company to see how all the
individual knowledge we have about the components can be implemented.

We went on a field work and I saw how the panels were interconnected serially
and parallel to increase the voltage and current respectively.

I learnt that the batteries are to be kept inside a rack within a cool place to avoid
overheating. I also discovered that the panels connections can vary based on the
load you want it to carry. At the end of the installation I realized that one can
decide to retain the national grid security as a back up and which also tends to
charge the batteries also.

From the electricians I learnt that after the installation of the inverter there is
need for load separation to enable the inverter carry some specific important
loads.

I learnt that an inverter can carry as much battery as possible so far the battery
doesn’t exceed the input DC rating of the inverter.

I was able to install a 24V panels with 1Kv inverter and a 12V battery
successfully.
 CHAPTER 4
4.1 CONCLUSION
My six month industrial training experience was an experience that I would
never forget. I was able see to the practicals behind the theories we were being
taught in school.

I learnt a lot especially regarding to the field I would like to venture after
graduation which is Renewable Energy.

This industrial experience really exposed me to the labor market, I was able to
see how engineers implement theories to solve real life problems and I finally
appreciated all the theories I have accumulated since I started my engineering
journey.

I was privileged enough to meet some high profile individual in renewable

energy industries this made me realize that there are a lot of amazing
opportunities open to those who study engineering.

The experience was worth the series of stress I encountered both from my boss,
the staffs and my colleagues at the cause of obtaining knowledge.

Before this experience I had no prior knowledge to Electrical and solar

installation but now I can boldly say that I have what it takes to install Solar
panels, Inverters, batteries and the rest in any residential, industry or school be it
a mega project.

Special thanks to SIWES for infusing this program as a compulsory one before
one could graduate as an engineer.

4.2 CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED DURING SIWES PROGRAM

At the cause of this program we the interns encountered some challenges which
really affected our dedication to the program. Such challenges were:

 Transport fare: Due to our state in the company as interns we

were not being paid salary not minding the fact that we did 50% of
the job and outer external errands. No one really cared about how
much we spent to and fro to make sure we are punctual and
present. This really affected me and made me come to work during
the days I had enough money.
  Lack of Attention: Due to the nature of the company I did my I.T,
we work based on contract and without any new contract or
maintenance there would be no work done. During days without
works no one pays attention to you or your questions making you
to sort your problems yourself.
 Intimidation from senior colleagues: During days of hectic work
all pressures are normally transferred to I.T students in the name of
gaining experience making us to have lesser time for rest because
of the ambiguous works being handed to us by our senior
colleagues.
 Selfishness among senior colleagues: This was one of the major
challenges we faced especially when we newly started our
industrial training. There were hoards of knowledge among staff
making it difficult for us to learn from them especially during the
absence of our boss. Most of them believed that if we learn the
field easily they would be easily displaced from the office in the
future to be replaced by us. This made it difficult for us to learn
until they got familiarized with us.

4.3 RECOMMENDATIONS

This SIWES is a very wonderful experience that no one should dare take for
granted. If utilized well one could get an automatic employment. The essence of
this program as an engineering student can’t be over emphasized.

I am glad I did utilize mine and to everyone who wishes to excel in the labor
market and industries as an engineer, you need to be exposed to your niche
through this SIWES program.
 REFERENCE
[1] "What is SIWES," Mark Tim, June 2018. [Online] Available:
[Link].

[2] Prof. [Link], Industrial Experience in Nigeria 30th May 2017 the
International Journal of Student Experience

[3] “[Link] [online]

[4] “[Link] [online]

[5] N.G Orabasi “About Indicel Dynamic company” “[Link]”

[6] Lacho Pop, “Solar Power Demystified” 2019 v4.

[7] Micheal Boxwell “a simple, practical guide to solar energy - how to design
and install photovoltaic solar electric systems” (2012 edition) ([Link])