Improving Coconut Burning Efficiency with Coconut Burning Equipment

Abstract

This study presents the development and performance evaluation of an improved coconut roasting device, compared against the conventional roasting method. Experimental results demonstrated that the newly developed system could process 90 coconuts per batch under optimized conditions determined by the Taguchi method, with a drum rotation speed of 10 revolutions per minute. The average roasting time was 140.75 minutes, representing a reduction from 151.90 minutes observed with the traditional method. Moreover, the improved device achieved 99.4% defect-free roasted coconuts, whereas the traditional method produced an average 91% defect-free. Overall, the new method reduced burning time by an average of 11.85 minutes, increased productivity yield to 8.4%, with statistical significance (p-value = 0.000). Although the modified process required an additional fuel cost of 24 THB per batch due to higher firewood consumption (48 kilograms), it enabled the production of 20 more marketable coconuts, resulting in an increased income of 1,051 THB per batch. These findings confirm that the improved coconut roasting device enhances both efficiency and product quality in terms of decreased processing time and increased productivity. The device is therefore suitable for adoption at the community level and for potential commercial scaling. Future work should explore the integration of heat-retaining materials and redesign of the drum structure to minimize heat loss and reduce fuel consumption, without compromising roasting quality. Furthermore, focus on reducing CO₂ emissions through alternative renewable energy sources, as well as assessment of the system’s adaptability to other agricultural residues is recommended to lower overall production costs.