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Potentials of Coconut Oil As Diesel Substitute in Pacific Island Countries

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Potentials of Coconut Oil As Diesel Substitute in Pacific Island Countries Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen Fakultät für Maschinenwesen Lehrstuhl für Reaktorsicherheit und -technik Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Kurt Kugeler Diplomarbeit Potentials of Coconut Oil as Diesel Substitute in Pacific Island Countries vorgelegt von: cand. ing. Daniel Fürstenwerth betreut von: Dr.-Ing. Inga Maren Tragsdorf (RWTH Aachen) Dipl.-Ing. Gerhard Zieroth ( Executive Summary i Executive Summary The use of coconut oil as a substitute for diesel fuel is attracting increasing interest. This MSc thesis enhances the understanding of this technology and points out directions for its future application in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) as well as other Pacific Island Countries. The research work was undertaken by the PIEPSAP project in cooperation with RWTH University in Aachen and it is based on a literature review and field data obtained in RMI and Fiji. The use of straight vegetable oil in standard diesel engines leads to certain adverse technical and consequently financial effects. The extent of these depends on factors related to the (i) engine, (ii) oil and, equally important, (iii) utilisation and maintenance pattern. In principle, all adverse technical effects known from other vegetable oils occur when coconut oil is used. Important findings are that (i) “simply” replacing diesel fuel with coconut oil can by no means be recommended; (ii) blending of coconut oil with other fuels or the use of additives may decrease the rate but not prevent adverse technical effects; (iii) use of adaptation technology is a prerequisite, but no guarantee for a successful application of straight coconut oil. Before using coconut oil, a case-by-case analysis of the specific application is necessary, including the engine used and expected utilisation pattern. The financial consequences of using coconut oil in various potential applications in the RMI have been analysed, based on the results of the technical research. Extra costs incurred in replacing diesel fuel with coconut oil consist of cost for additional (i) maintenance, (ii) repair, (iii) higher fuel consumption and (iv) investment in adaptation technology. The extra cost for each litre of diesel oil that is replaced is calculated for various potential applications in the RMI. These vary from 0,19 USD/USGallon [0,05 USD/litre] for large stationary applications to 0,95 USD/USGallon [0,25 USD/litre] for automotive applications in the best cases. Based on the technical research and financial estimates, it is possible to recommend a prioritisation of future efforts to promote the use of straight coconut oil in the RMI: Prioritization of Future Applications in Majuro 1st Priority The use of straight coconut oil in the power plant of Majuro should receive the highest priority. Preliminary analysis indicates that most of the coconut oil produced in the RMI could be used with positive financial and economic outcomes. The future development of world market prices of both coconut oil and diesel need to be in the focus of further analysis. 2nd Priority Using coconut oil in professionally used trucks as well as in selected pieces of heavy-duty equipment may become an attractive option if diesel prices continue to rise. How to introduce appropriate adaptation technology and how to train the operating personnel are the main challenges to face. ii Other Given the specific circumstances in the RMI, use of coconut oil for inter atoll shipping should only be considered when international, scientifically backed experiences are available. For the use in private cars, straight coconut oil does not appear as a viable solution due to adverse technical and non-technical circumstances in the RMI. For this application, production of biodiesel from coconut oil as well as other sources should be in the focus of further analysis. Prioritization of Future Applications on Outer Islands 1st Priority Use of coconut oil should be considered whenever a new engine needs to be purchased for a power plant refurbishment project. In such a case electricity consumption is already established and important technical challenges related to the operation of the engine are reduced. The installation of a dedicated small- scale oil mill would be justified. 2nd Priority Any measure to promote use of coconut oil in the outer islands ought to consider the sole or additional use of small “historical” engines for individual power generation, such as Lister engines from the 1960’s. Main focus of further analysis should be the establishment of a spare parts infrastructure, the acceptability of such technology among outer island population and whether the use of such engines alone could justify a local coconut oil production. Other Use of straight coconut oil in new electrification projects will always face large technical and non-technical challenges that are difficult to overcome, making a success at the current state of technology highly questionable. Only if appropriate solutions to secure an “adapted” utilisation and maintenance pattern can be developed, such projects should be considered. Promoting the use of coconut oil in modern generators of any kind for individual use of general rural population should not receive priority. While few technically skilled consumers could benefit, negative experiences would be highly likely to prevail. At the current state of technology, use of coconut oil for local sea or land transportation should not be promoted. Contents iii Contents List of Figures ......................................................................................................................... vii List of Tables ...........................................................................................................................xi Abbreviations......................................................................................................................... xiii 1 Introduction......................................................................................................................1 Part I - State of the Art of Using Vegetable Oil as Fuel 2 Vegetable Oil as Fuel ......................................................................................................5 2.1 Production of Vegetable Oil ...................................................................................5 2.1.1 Small-Scale Production ..............................................................................5 2.1.2 Large-Scale Production ..............................................................................6 2.2 Properties of Vegetable oil as Fuel ........................................................................7 2.2.1 General Properties of Fossil Fuels .............................................................7 2.2.2 General Properties of Vegetable Oil...........................................................7 2.2.3 Properties of Vegetable Oil Limited in the DIN V 51605.............................8 3 Relevant Design Characteristics of Diesel Engines ......................................................12 3.1 Design Variants of Fuel Supply System...............................................................12 3.2 Combustion Chamber Design Variants................................................................12 4 Technical Effects of Using Vegetable Oil as Fuel..........................................................12 4.1 Failures in the Fuel Supply System......................................................................12 4.1.1 Deposits and Sediments in the Fuel Supply System................................12 4.1.2 Increased Wear of the Injection System...................................................12 4.1.3 Failures of the Injection Pump ..................................................................12 4.1.4 Leakages in the Fuel Supply System .......................................................12 4.2 Failures Related to the Combustion.....................................................................12 4.2.1 Reasons for Deposits Formation ..............................................................12 4.2.2 Influencing Factors on Formation of Deposits ..........................................12 4.2.3 Occurrence of Deposits ............................................................................12 4.3 Failures Related to the Lubrication System .........................................................12 4.3.1 Deterioration of Lubricant Oil Quality........................................................12 4.3.2 Polymerisation of Lubricant Oil.................................................................12 4.4 Other Effects ........................................................................................................12 5 Strategies Used and Experiences Made with Using Vegetable Oil...............................12 iv Contents 5.1 Strategies Focusing on the Fuel ..........................................................................12 5.1.1 Blending with Fossil Fuel..........................................................................12 5.1.2 Using Additives.........................................................................................12 5.1.3 Improving Vegetable Oil Quality ...............................................................12 5.1.4 Chemical Adaptation of the Fuel ..............................................................12 5.2 Strategies Focusing on the Engine ......................................................................12 5.2.1 Vegetable Oil Engines ..............................................................................12
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