Exploring the potential of decentralized hydrous bioethanol production and engine retrofitting for farm mechanization
Year: 2026
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: This paper explores the potential of combining a decentralized hydrous bioethanol production and engine retrofitting to locally produce fuel for small scale farming operations. This concept can be achieved by developing a two stage distillation system that can process crude bioethanol on-site and further enhance its concentration in a centralized hydrous bioethanol distiller. This system is suitable for farming communities in remote areas with little access to affordable fuel. Fermentation trials and distillation trials yielded up to 35 liters of 93–96% v/v ethanol per 400-liter batch, with alcohol recovery rates of up to 96%. Pure hydrous bioethanol fuel can be used in conventional gasoline engines using the developed fuel injection system that addresses the compatibility issues of ethanol with conventional gasoline engines. Engine performance tests showed that 90–95% hydrous ethanol can power agricultural machinery effectively with stable performance, despite increased fuel consumption. These preliminary results of show the technical viability of a decentralized hydrous bioethanol distillation system coupled with retrofitted engines to promote energy security for rural farming communities. The paper proposes policy interventions and scale-up pathways to institutionalize this model nationwide.
Institutions: Caraga State University, Philippine Rice Research Institute
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204086435