Performance analysis of a prototype small scale electricity-producing biomass cooking stove

O’Shaughnessy, S.M., M.J. Deasy, J.V. Doyle and A.J. Robinson

Applied Energy, 2015, vol. 156, issue C, 566-576

Abstract: An electrical generator has been integrated with a locally produced, biomass-fed clay cooking stove in rural Malawi. The generator produces small amounts of electricity based on the thermoelectric effect. Five demonstrator stoves were deployed into a rural community in the Balaka district for up to 6months. This study investigates the power generation performance of the devices over the first 80days of the field trial. It was determined that the users were able to charge mobile phones, lights and radios from the generator stoves. The power generating performance of the stoves deteriorated slightly over the 80day period. The was due to the effects of thermal cycling on the generator system as a whole which caused eventual drying out of the thermal paste and a loosening of the clamping nuts which reduces clamping pressure and power output. One stove failed due to a mechanical problem. It was found that the power produced significantly exceeded the power consumed in most cases, which indicates an over-supply. It appears that 3Wh is sufficient to meet the average daily electrical power requirements for the participants in this study. The data obtained from the field trial has been used to inform a redesign of the device for a second field trial.

Keywords: Biomass; Cooking stove; Thermoelectric; Electricity generation; Phone charging; Malawi (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (10)

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DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2015.07.064

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