Densified mango residues as biofuel from low-resource agricultural processing

Christopher R. Rumple, Siri Maley, Khanjan Mehta

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Producing biofuels, bio-power, or other bio-products depends on supply systems that can ensure high-volume, reliable, environmentally sustainable, and on-spec availability of source feedstocks. Implementing these recycling and repurposing systems can lead to more ecologically and financially sustainable supply chains and business, but this endeavor is particularly complicated for small businesses in underdeveloped areas. This article examines the role of biomass and biofuel in the potential scalability of small businesses in underserved regions. It includes a discussion of potential benefits and applications, with emphasis on densified biowaste and Organic Rankine Cycle turbo-generators. The article's case study occurs in Sierra Leone, which has an abundance of potential biomass resources - specifically mango - but where local facilities that do not widely utilize biowaste. This case study assessed the waste stream of a local Sierra Leonean fruit processing facility as a potential densified biofuel feedstock source. Using only low-resource and low-capital materials, freshly processed refuse was sampled and densified for industry-standard fuel properties. The results of this study indicate that the low-resource formulation of mixed feedstocks from niche high-production crops can still meet industry standards as an Organic Rankine Cycle biomass heat source for electrical energy production.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationGHTC 2016 - IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference
Subtitle of host publicationTechnology for the Benefit of Humanity, Conference Proceedings
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages27-32
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781509024322
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
Event6th Annual IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference, GHTC 2016 - Seattle, United States
Duration: Oct 13 2016Oct 16 2016

Publication series

NameGHTC 2016 - IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference: Technology for the Benefit of Humanity, Conference Proceedings

Other

Other6th Annual IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference, GHTC 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySeattle
Period10/13/1610/16/16

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Sociology and Political Science
  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Health(social science)
  • Communication
  • Political Science and International Relations

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