First experiences of the RKTC Senegal – Some implications on testing methodology

and the role of RKTCs

Elmar Dimpl, CERER, Dakar, Senegal elmar.dimpl@ecodev.de

UNIVERSITE CHEIKH ANTA DIOP DE DAKARCentre d’Etudes et de Recherche sur les Energies

Renouvelables(UCAD - CERER)

ETHOS Conference 2014

Where we are• At the most western tip of

Africa• Senegal is in the Sahel, the

transition zone of the Sahara desert (in the North) and the tropical rain forest region at the South

• With erratic climate, • Scarce vegetation in the

north• Charcoal production in the

south

• RKTCs Ghana and Nigeria are in different climatic zones

Elmar Dimpl, CERER, Senegal: ETHOS Conference 2014

Who we are• CERER (Center for Studies and Research on Renewable Energy)

is an Institute of the University of Dakar (UCAD), Senegal

• Working on photovoltaic, wind energy, lighting, Biomass, including cooking technology, biofuels, biogas.

• Stove testing, stove development, training of stove producers and production quality control is part of the Biomass department.

• The stove testing lab is equipped with a LEMS provided by APROVECHO

• With financial support from GACC and GIZ

Elmar Dimpl, CERER, Senegal: ETHOS Conference 2014

Our Clients and their needs• Agencies, implementing stove programs: governmental and non

governmental organizations, national and international (example GIZ)

• Private entrepreneurs: developing new stoves, trying to use new fuels

• Donors (WB)

Their needs:• which stove to promote • improvement of stoves,• real interest in the impact,• Adaptation to special fuels, • carbon funding,• Justifying their programs

Elmar Dimpl, CERER, Senegal: ETHOS Conference 2014

Planned activities as a CAGG member

• To be able to perform test completely according to IWA-ISO

• Participation at a Round Robin Test is planned

• Needs: Clean environment for gravimetric tests, calibration gases, standard fuels, clients that are able and willing to pay for this service

Elmar Dimpl, CERER, Senegal: ETHOS Conference 2014

Example: International stove transfer• A charcoal stove with secondary air supply

performed very well in Benin. It was to be introduced in Senegal.

• GIZ consultant did test in Senegal: it was not possible to bring water to boil in an acceptable period of time

• Why ??????

• -> Modification of the stove, bigger burning chamber.

– --> did not perform as well as expected

Elmar Dimpl, CERER, Senegal: ETHOS Conference 2014

The fuel?

• We bought several charcoal bags from tree dealers in our neighborhood apparently equal bags at the same price:

• The average weight of the bags was between 295g and 706g

Charcoal is sold in small bags, ~0,20 US$/bag

The fuel !

Elmar Dimpl, CERER, Senegal: ETHOS Conference 2014

The pot type?

Source: Carlotta WernerElmar Dimpl, CERER, Senegal: ETHOS Conference 2014

Consequence for the development of batch-fed charcoal stoves

Definition of initial batch size by volume can have different energy content as consequence

Elmar Dimpl, CERER, Senegal: ETHOS Conference 2014

Similar difficulties with wood stoves

Fuel type influences performance and emissions. However, for proper function of the stoves fuel can not always be standardized

Fuel wood from Aprovecho and local sources

Safety criteria test

Also the results of the safety criteria test depends on the pot size and form.• Cookstove tipping• Visible area of burning fuel

Elmar Dimpl, CERER, Senegal: ETHOS Conference 2014

Consequences for regional/local testing• Are we just additional labs that have difficulties to guarantee

IWA/ISO testing quality?• Is the market for these standard testing methods big enough?

• Our main testing task: How do the stoves perform under local conditions?

• IWA metrics are important to have and we should be able to carry them out.

• However, to answer most questions of the clients the tests have to be carried out taking into account the local conditions

• Whole systems have to be tested including fuel, stove and typical pot.

• No way to testing anarchy! However, we have to document the testing results in relation to the testing conditions.

• We have to be able to analyze and describe the local conditions.Elmar Dimpl, CERER, Senegal: ETHOS Conference 2014

How to be able to analyze and describe the local conditions ?

Basis: equipment and know-how for IWA test

In addition:

• Instruments, equipment -> Advice and finance

• Methodology and knowhow -> Advice, developing some ~ standard methods.

• Exchange and comprehensive information including the whole cooking systems (I do understand better my own situation if I have an idea of the conditions in other places) -> South <-> South exchange.

Elmar Dimpl, CERER, Senegal: ETHOS Conference 2014