Converting sugarcane waste into charcoal for Haiti

Thesis (S.B.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2007.

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Toussaint, Etienne Clement
Other Authors: Alexander Slocum.
Format: Thesis
Language:eng
Published: Massachusetts Institute of Technology 2008
Subjects:
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/40940
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author Toussaint, Etienne Clement
author2 Alexander Slocum.
author_facet Alexander Slocum.
Toussaint, Etienne Clement
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spelling mit-1721.1/409402019-04-09T16:00:43Z Converting sugarcane waste into charcoal for Haiti Toussaint, Etienne Clement Alexander Slocum. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering. Mechanical Engineering. Thesis (S.B.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2007. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 46-47). In Haiti, most families have traditionally relied on wood and wood-derived charcoal as their primary fuel source for indoor cooking. This resource has proven to be unsustainable, however, as over 90% of the Haitian countryside has already been deforested and wood is now in low supply. As a poor country, importing fuel is not a viable option and thus, the ability to utilize renewable energy sources is critical. The work of the Edgerton Development Lab, under the guidance of Amy Smith, has developed a process utilizing an oil drum kiln to convert readily available agricultural waste from sugarcane, known as bagasse, into clean burning charcoal briquettes. In order to improve the efficiency of the existing oil drum kiln, this research will explore the design of a brick kiln that is relevant for the social dynamic of developing countries, inexpensive to manufacture and simple to operate. By defining the best system applicable to the Haitian context, this research will enable the efficient production of charcoal. This research will also define the shape of the chamber and the steps involved in the conversion process, enabling Haitians to make use of their natural resources to address a critical energy need. In addition, the enhanced energy efficiency will reduce the production time of the charcoal briquettes. Lastly, this research will explore how this technology can be best integrated into the existing culture and lifestyle of the Haitian community and propose a strategy for community participation. by Etienne Clement Toussaint. S.B. 2008-03-27T18:25:43Z 2008-03-27T18:25:43Z 2007 2007 Thesis http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/40940 212409940 eng M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission. http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582 47 leaves application/pdf nwht Massachusetts Institute of Technology
spellingShingle Mechanical Engineering.
Toussaint, Etienne Clement
Converting sugarcane waste into charcoal for Haiti
title Converting sugarcane waste into charcoal for Haiti
title_full Converting sugarcane waste into charcoal for Haiti
title_fullStr Converting sugarcane waste into charcoal for Haiti
title_full_unstemmed Converting sugarcane waste into charcoal for Haiti
title_short Converting sugarcane waste into charcoal for Haiti
title_sort converting sugarcane waste into charcoal for haiti
topic Mechanical Engineering.
url http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/40940
work_keys_str_mv AT toussaintetienneclement convertingsugarcanewasteintocharcoalforhaiti