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Community Lifelines Programme - Energy Sector - Projects - Coconut Oil Fuel Research RMI
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 Injectors after use of coconut oil fuel (Photo: Daniel Fuerstenwerth) |
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Coconut Oil Fuel Research in the Republic of the Marshall Islands
Background
As part of the Pacific Islands Energy Policy and Strategic Action Plan PIEPSAP Project, in cooperation with RWTH University in Aachen, MSc Student Mr. Daniel Fuerstenwerth, investigated the technical effects of using coconut oil as a fuel, with a focus on the experiences in the Marshall Islands. The study is based on a literature review and field data obtained in the Marshall Islands and Fiji.
Tobolar Coconut Oil powered truck under investigation (Photo Daniel Fuerstenwerth)
Overview of the study "Potentials of Coconut Oil Fuel as a diesel substitute in Pacific island countries"
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 US$/Gallon (0,05 US$/litre) for large stationary applications to 0,95 US$/Gallon (0,25 US$/litre) for automotive applications in the best cases.
Tobolar Coconut Oil fuel outlet (Photo Daniel Fuerstenwerth)
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:
Prioritisation of Future Applications in Majuro
1st Priority The use of straight coconut oil in the power plant of Majuro should receive the highest priority.
2nd Priority Using coconut oil in professionally used trucks as well as in selected pieces of heavy-duty equipment.
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.
Small-scale Coconut Oil processing for outer islands (Photo Daniel Fuerstenwerth)
Prioritisation 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.
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.
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.
For more information please contact:
Daniel Fuerstenwerth
Or
Jan Cloin
Energy Adviser
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Contributors to this page: jan
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Page last modified on Thursday 30 of August, 2007 [22:42:44 UTC] by jan .
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