Project Summary | Project Information |
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The KonTiki kiln is a cone-shaped device used to produce biochar from agricultural wastes. The KonTiki, which has an initial construction price of $500, has been designed for large and small scale biochar production in developing countries. Due to its composition and physical structure, biochar is in high demand as a soil amendment, an animal dietary supplement, a charcoal replacement, a filtering material, or as a component in composite building material. Since biochar production produces high temperatures (650°C–750°C), recovering the excess heat from the kiln during a burn cycle for another use would be extremely beneficial. There are currently a few ways of recovering and using this heat, including overhead hoods and coils used to dry tea leaves, pasteurize water, or heat living spaces. The goal of this project is to heat water to a safe bathing temperature, and, if the temperatures can be held consistently, to pasteurize the water. Because the kiln is used in countries where education can be minimal, operator ease and simple setup are key requirements for the recovery system. Biochar kilns also come in various sizes, so the heat reclamation system should be adaptable to those existing kilns. For a full project description, access the Project Readiness Package. |
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Team Members
Member | Role | Contact |
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Abby Higgins | Project Manager | amh3246@rit.edu |
Leah Matczak | EDGE Admin, Purchasing Pro | lnm5125@rit.edu |
Eta Santoro | Communications, Documentation | ejs1921@rit.edu |
Kelsey Thompson | Burn Lead | kmt4154@rit.edu |
Thane Vollbrecht | EDGE Admin, Simulation Lead | tjv1662@rit.edu |
Table of Contents
MSD I & II | MSD I | MSD II |
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Integrated System Build & Test |
Acknowledgements
- Kathleen Draper (Customer)
- Bill Nowak (Guide)