1. Elmar Dimpl, CERER, Dakar, Senegal elmar.dimpl@ecodev.de
First experiences of the RKTC Senegal – Some implications on testing methodology and the role of RKTCs
Elmar Dimpl, CERER, Dakar, Senegal
UNIVERSITE CHEIKH ANTA DIOP DE DAKAR
Centre d’Etudes et de Recherche sur les Energies Renouvelables
(UCAD - CERER)
ETHOS Conference 2014

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. The fuel?
Charcoal is sold in small bags, ~0,20 US$/bag
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

8. The fuel !
Elmar Dimpl, CERER, Senegal: ETHOS Conference 2014

9. The pot type? Source: Carlotta Werner
Elmar Dimpl, CERER, Senegal: ETHOS Conference 2014

10. 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

11. Similar difficulties with wood stoves
Fuel wood from Aprovecho and local sources
Fuel type influences performance and emissions. However, for proper function of the stoves fuel can not always be standardized

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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