Omnigen: providing electricity, food preparation, cold storage and pure water using a variety of local fuels

A.K. Hossain, R. Thorpe, P. Vasudevan, P.K. Sen, R.E. Critoph, P.A. Davies*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We describe a polygeneration system that can run on neat plant oils, such as Jatropha and Pongamia, or standard diesel fuel. A prototype has been constructed using a compression ignition engine of 9.9 kW shaft output. It consumes 3 L/h of fuel and will produce 40 kg/h of ice by means of an adsorption refrigerator powered from the engine jacket heat. Steaming of rice, deep and shallow frying, and other types of food preparation heated by the exhaust gas have been demonstrated. In addition, the feasibility of producing distilled water by means of multiple-effect distillation powered by the engine waste heat is shown. Overall plant efficiency and potential savings in greenhouse gas emissions are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)197-202
Number of pages6
JournalRenewable energy
Volume49
Early online date4 Feb 2012
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2013

Keywords

  • adsorption cooling
  • biomass
  • BSEC
  • BSFC
  • CI
  • CI engine
  • COP
  • desalination
  • GHG
  • MED
  • polygeneration

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