VIP 10-40 Steam Engine

Product Description

The Village Industrial Power V-10-40 steam engine produces heat that can be used either to produce hot air or hot water, depending on the agricultural application required. Functionalities include transforming biomass into heat for opportunities such as crop drying, and powering various equipments. It is clean-burning and able to run on numerous biomass feedstocks. V-10-40 was previously named as V-10 steam engine. Village Industrial Power is located in Bradford, Vermont with additional operations in Nairobi, Kenya and Maharashtra, India.

Market Suggested Retail Price

$15,000.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

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

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 Protected

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.

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

None

Compliance with regulations

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

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.

Comments from the Community

1 Comment

E4C.COMMENTS says:

October 4, 2018 at 5:05 am

Iana Aranda says:

As per Bob: Steam technology requires a source of water and steam â€“ implying high power heating elements. Appropriate sources of clean, chemical free (Calcium, Iron etc.) water are necessary. Although in developed countries this is not a significant issue in developing countries and in remote areas the availability of clean, chemical free water is limited. If the product includes filtering and the ability to precondition and use common well or river water this would be an advantage â€“ given that water is easier to obtain than either UV Sources or NOx chemicals. Other components such as housings, covers, electronics and controls are available if an appropriate supply chain is developed and maintained to provide these materials at the appropriate cost, quality and delivery to support production. Piping, housings and containment of steam is required and a potential source of safety issues and risks. The product must be designed to appropriate standards for pressurization and high temperature â€¦ similar to boiler standards.