Vaňkát A., Krepl V., Kára J.
Abstract
This paper summarizes a small research that was conducted in Indian Himalayas, Zanskar Range, during the summer 2009.
The subsequent experiments that were carried out in the Czech Republic are included as well. In order to acquire data
on the dung-as-a-fuel usage, one of the most remote villages in Indian Himalayas (the cooperation with Czech people
had already been well established in advance) was visited. The inhabitants were asked questions related to the only
resource of heat energy that is widely utilized here - the dried excrements of domestic animals. The focus was to the
techniques of collection, storage, properties of the stoves and to the qualities of the different types of dung.
The amounts of dung burned daily were measured as well. The data obtained were used to estimate the total amount of
dung used per capita. Supposing the energetic value and the efficiency of energy transformation to the usable form is
known, the total amount of energy needs for cooking and heating may be quantified. A few samples of the different types
of dung were brought to the Czech Republic in order to conduct different experiments. These included the analysis of
the fuel properties (calorific value, volatile combustible, ash properties, basic elements analysis) and the
biodigestion experiments which showed the fuel potential for the usage with the usage of biodigestion technology.
The results of biodigestion experiments are not involved in this paper.
Key words:
biomass, fuel dung, burning, combustion, energetic needs, yak, high altitude, Himalayas, cooking, stove, heating, Kargyak