Dayton Engineering Sciences Symposium (DESS)

Dayton Engineering Sciences Symposium (DESS)

Erin Peiffer: Biomass Gasification Presentation Chosen for Best Technical Content at the 12th Annual DESs Symposium

During the summer of 2016, Erin Peiffer traveled to Durban, South Africa, as part of The ETHOS Center 2016 International Immersion group. While in South Africa, Erin and Maggie Daniels conducted research at Rocket Works on biomass gasification. The research concluded that the use of rocket stoves for cooking and drying improved human health, reduced deforestation and improved overall social issues.

  • Improvements in human health included: Significantly decreased the amount of lower respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancers, heart disease, and cataracts.
  • Reduction in deforestation: One rocket barn offsets nearly 9,000 lbs. of wood in one drying season; this equates to almost 400 acres of trees saved per year with the switch to rocket barns in Malawi alone.
  • Improvements in overall social issues included: Significantly decreased the amount of time spent collecting wood. Women had time for educational and job opportunities, which assisted their families financially. Women spent less time collecting wood, which decreased the risk of assault from the long trips when collecting fuels.

Click here to view her presentation.

Congratulations, Erin!

CONTACT

The ETHOS Center, Dr. Malcolm Daniels, Director

Kettering Laboratories
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469 - 0212
937-229-2306
Email