Rice husk energy project : phase II final status report

Interim evaluation covers the period through 12/83 and was prepared by representatives of A.I.D., The Asia Foundation (TAF - the grantee), and Sunpower, Inc. (contractor). The project has accomplished much, but its ultimate success is not assured. A locally made Stirling power unit was operated for the first time in 11/83. With the exception of the hot end, each component was made in Bangladesh based on models which had been adapted to local needs at the design and/or testing stage; a special brazing furnace has been designed so that hot ends can be manufactured locally. Operation of the engine is well within the skills available in rural Bangladesh (a similar, foreign-made engine has been in operation since Phase I). The engine's costs are higher than expected, as adaptation to local conditions made it necessary to use cast iron (which is sold by weight in Bangladesh) rather than aluminum components. However, following further design improvements and changes in the manufacturing process, both weight and cost should be reduced. The final selling price is projected to be about $768, close to the target of 150% of the cost of a comparable diesel engine. Three rice hulling systems (disc, rubber roll, and centrifugal) have been evaluated for use with the engine; the centrifugal method has been chosen for testing during Phase I and manufacturers have been identified. Due to the project's highly technical nature, manufacture will initially be limited to a few firms and there is risk that the transfer of the technology will not be as widespread as possible. Experience from other environments shows that every effort must be made to institutionalize the technology (including capacities for engine maintenance and repair) throughout the country. The ultimate utility of project efforts is further imperiled by changes in energy use in Bangladesh, where, in recent years, the growing population has been forced to use even rice husks as household fuel. Much of the project's success in overcoming technical problems is attributable to the quality of the TA and to the perserverance and innovativeness of TAF. It is recommended that: (1) Phase III activities, including the testing of engine designs to decrease weight and cost factors, be authorized and performance levels for commercially available units be set and tested for appropriateness; and (2) USAID/B and TAF discuss a follow-on project to address technology transfer and the establishment of equipment maintenance and repair facilities. (Adapted from ANE Executive Summary, PD-AAT-669, pp. 4-5)