KOKOpoint Fuel Dispenser

Product Description

KOKOpoint fuel dispenser is a fuel dispensing machine connected to a cloud, KOKO Cloud. This product uses a Pay-As-You-Go model for cooking fuel, where consumers and vendors can refill the provided fuel canisters and pay for the fuel from a virtual wallet. The fuel dispensed is ethanol and is meant to be used for cooking purposes.

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

The product is available across Kenya, including over 600 retailers in Nairobi.

Manufacturing/Building Method

KOKO point fuel dispensers are built from several component parts which are assembled at the technology production facility in Nairobi.

Intellectural Property Type

Patent Protected

User Provision Model

KOKOpoints have been deployed across the city of Nairobi inside neighborhood shops and convenience stores. Shopkeepers become KOKO Agents with KOKOpoint machines installed in the shop under a franchise agreement. A new customer orders a Bio-ethanol stove from a local KOKOpoint distributor or via mobile. KOKO’s dispenser-based distribution model allows customers to fill their reusable smart-valve canister with as little as 350 ml of fuel.

Distributions to Date Status

As of 2018 about 1,000 units have been deployed in 350 locations across Kenya.

Design Specifications

The KOKOpoint fuel dispenser uses a Pelton wheel turbine flowmeter from Titan Enterprises, which rotates on sapphire bearings. It contains magnets that are detected through its chamber wall by a Hall effect detector. The turbine's output is connected directly to the machines electronic display. The turbine is made from non-metallic wetted components and has a flow rate of up to 10 L/min while dispensing fuel.

Technical Support

KOKO Networks are available at 700 shops across Nairobi. KOKO Agents also help in providing support.

Replacement Components

Unknown

Lifecycle

Unknown

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Unknown

Vetted Performance Status

Unknown

Safety

Unknown

Complementary Technical Systems

Bio-ethanol fuel is sourced from domestic and global suppliers which are then transported by trucks and stored in facilities provided by Vivo Energy. KOKO cookers are developed and distributed to the customers for utilization of the KOKO fuel.

Academic Research and References

Pelizan, L., Giordano P., and Lickteig, L., 2019, Promoting Access to Clean Cooking Fuels in Sub-Saharan Africa Through Entrepreneurial Initiatives: Challenges and Strategies, IESE Business School, University of Navarra.

These papers present general information about bioethanol:

Dennananth, E.D., Iyuke, S. and Rumbold, K., 2012, The Bioethanol industry in Sub-Saharan Africa: History, Challenges and Prospects, Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology.

Ibeto, C.N., Ofoefule, A.U. and Agbo, K.E., 2011, A Global Overview of Biomass Potentials for Bioethanol Production: A Renewable Alternative Fuel, Trends in Applied Science Research, 6(5), pp. 410-425.

Compliance with regulations

Unknown

Other Information

None