ABSTRACT
The heating values of oilseeds are similar to those of charcoals, and heating values of most seed oils are nearly that of kerosene. This chapter explores the possibility that seed oils might be revitalized as lighting fuels in simple lamps in rural areas to replace expensive imported kerosene. Kerosene has technical characteristics that make it an easier fuel to use for lighting than seed oils, but because the price of kerosene has increased greatly during the last decade it may be timely to re-evaluate the cost of its advantages. The chapter examines the potential for oilseeds as fuel for cooking, by way of combustion of cakes or pellets of ground or chopped whole seeds as wood or charcoal substitutes. Optimum light is produced if ample oxygen is available and if the flame temperature is high. Heat losses from radiation and convection reduce the amount of illumination that can be obtained from a flame.
