At IDIN, we’re all about learning, especially when it’s hands-on. Here we’ve compiled some of our favorite resources, many of which are used at our trainings and summits around the world.
Resource Library
Design, Construction, and Testing of a Biocharring Unit
- Student Papers
This paper explores the design, construction, and testing of a biocharring unit. Biochar is obtained by heating biomass under oxygen-deficient conditions, and has potential as a nutrient recycler, soil conditioner, income generator, and waste management system.
Design, Construction, and Testing of a Briquetting Machine
- Student Papers
This paper explores the design, construction, and testing of a briquetting machine produced for rural communities in Ghana. In Ghana, biomass is the most dominant source of energy and is used significantly for cooking and other heat applications.
Forage Chopper for Silage Production
- Student Papers
This report explores the design and development of a forage chopper for silage production in Nicaragua by students at UC Davis. In Nicaragua, silage is used as an alternative food resource for cattle during the dry seasons.
Performance Evaluation of a Cassava Peeler
- Student Papers
This dissertation by KNUST student Priscilla Mensah evaluates the performance of a cassava peeler developed in a Creative Capacity Building training in Adansi, Ghana. The peeler was evaluated on throughput capacity, efficiency, and safety compared to the traditional method.
Standardization of the Grating Surface of Cassava Graters
- Student Papers
This paper explores an effort to standardize the design of a cassava grating surface to improve efficiency and ensure interchangeability. The author surveyed cassava grating surfaces on the Ghanaian market to understand current technical specifications and then create a new, improved grating surfaces using locally available materials.
Bee Pollen Dehydrator
- Student Papers
In Colombia, bee pollen farmers collect 30-40 kg of bee pollen per week, but endeavor to improve storage and preservation methods. This report explores the design and development of a bee pollen dryer in Colombia by a student at UC Davis.
Performance Evaluation of a Cocoa Pod Splitter
- Student Papers
This dissertation by KNUST student Daniel Owusu evaluates the performance of a steel cocoa pod splitter originaly developed in a Creative Capacity Building training at Fomena in Ghana. It was evaluated on the parameters of splitting rate, percentage of beans damaged, and the force required to break one pod compared to the traditional method of using cutlass.
Design, Construction, and Testing of a Mango Juice Extractor
- Student Papers
This paper details the design, construction, and testing of a mango juice extractor built to minimize post-harvest food loss in mango crops in Ghana and other mango-producing countries.
An Analysis of Zambian Cast Aluminum Pots
- Student Papers
This paper continues the previous research of the authors, in which structural failures of aluminum pots cast by Zambian businesses were evaluated. The authors then explored how local practices can be improved to prevent common use failures.
Assessment of the Physical and Combustion Properties of Briquettes Produced from Dried Coconut Husk
- Student Papers
This dissertation by KNUST student Gloria Baaba Aboagye investigates the potential of using charcoal briquettes produced from dried coconut husk as an alternative source of biomass fuel. The briquettes were evaluated along several physical and combustion properties, including calorific value, thermal efficiency, and emissions compared to traditional charcoal.