Makerere University invent locally-made diesel engine

The College of Engineering, Art and Technology (CEDAT) at Makerere University, in collaboration with Kevoton Motion Engineering Limited (KMEL), revealed a revolutionary diesel engine yesterday.

The technological innovation is the latest from the university’s Material Science and Nanotechnology Centre of Excellence.

In addition, the center and Kevoton have created an artisan manufacturing process for low-capacity, low-grade casting, parts assembly, and engine development operationalization.

The engine, which was designed using indigenous technology, would only be utilized for agricultural and construction activities, according to Mr Rogers Mubiru, KMEL’s chief innovator. Other allowed applications include modest home appliances like generators and water pumps.

“Our diesel engine just has one cylinder, whereas a car’s engine has multiple cylinders. So, because we already have the recipe, we’ll examine how to construct vehicle engines,” he stated.

A diesel engine’s components include an engine block, cylinder head, and water jackets to keep the engine cool. Tappets and crankcases, chain covers and top covers, valves, chains, piston, and camshaft are among the other components. The pistons are composed of aluminum alloy since it is lightweight and dissipates heat from the engine quickly. In comparison to its petrol counterpart, the diesel engine rattles quite a bit.

This, according to Mr Mubiru, is due to the degree to which the fuel mixture is compressed prior to ignition.

Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, praised the engine but urged the government to fund such breakthroughs.

Dr Monica Musenero, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, admitted that certain universities are stuck with innovations due to a lack of funding.

“However, because I am passionate about technology, I can tell you that we will fight together to ensure that innovators are taken care of,” she stated.