VIP 10-40 Steam Engine

Target SDGs

Market Suggested Retail Price

$12,500.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Household, Community

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Village Industrial Power is the sole distributor and manufacturer of the V-10-40 steam engine.

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include HPS Biomass Gasification Power Plant.

Countries

India, Kenya

Manufacturing/Building Method

This product is manufactured in India by their manufacturing division, Village Industrial Power India Pvt. Ltd., on a system by system basis and is not yet manufactured at scale. Welding professionals are contracted to ensure the safety of end users around the high pressure vessel.

Intellectural Property Type

Patent

User Provision Model

Users can obtain the product from Village Industrial Power.

Distributions to Date Status

6 systems have been deployed as of July 2016.

Design Specifications

The VIP-10-40 is a 10 kW rankine cycle steam engine that combines a furnace box, boiler with superheated steam coils, single cylinder expander, condenser and pump. The system incorporates self-acting inlet valves and has eliminated piston oil lubrication through the utilization of self-lubricating carbon graphite materials. The boiler has been designed with a safety factor that is roughly three times higher than common U.S.A boilers.

The 10 kW VIP system measures 2 m long, 1 m wide, and 2 m tall. VIP recommends housing the system in an open-sided or screen sided shed having a concrete floor measuring 5 m x 3 m x 2.5 m tall, minimum.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

Provided by the manufacturer.

Replacement Components

Replaceable components include piston seals, bearings, and valves; which need to be replaced over time to maintain system performance and safety.

Lifecycle

20 years. Lifespan can vary depending on fuel use, operation patterns and regular maintenance. ^{Interview with Representative in 2018}

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Manufacturer specified performance targets include: robust, reliable, on-demand, fuel flexible, and clean burning.

Vetted Performance Status

Testing performed by the manufacturer determined a power output of 10 kW.

Safety

The VIP-10-40 is rated and certified according to ASME Boiler code and is equipped with an appropriate pressure relief valve. Still, users should exercise caution during periods of high firepower which contributes to higher pressures in the boiler. Only trained technicians and users should repair and operate the VIP-10-40.

Complementary Technical Systems

Complementary technical systems include mechanical devices (sheller, press, lathes, etc.), thermal devices (charcoal creation, drying, etc.), and electrical devices (lighting, refrigeration, television, appliances, etc.)

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

The product complies to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.

Evaluation methods

Field tests in Africa and laboratory tests in Vermont have compared the V-10’s performance in testing areas of endurance, pressure-displacement, and heat transfer to traditional energy generation sources such as diesel gen-sets with regards to efficiency and power output.

Other Information

The VIP 10-40 was featured in ASME's Global Development Review Spring 2016 DEM+ND publication. VIP also published a video showing user interaction with the product.

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code