Design of a new rocket stove and performance testing with different varieties of wood

Tuicolo, Aseli and Gounder, Kavitesh and Ahmed, Mohammed R. (2023) Design of a new rocket stove and performance testing with different varieties of wood. [Conference Proceedings]

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Abstract

Developing countries are always looking for compact and efficient rocket stoves that burn wood efficiently and cause minimum harm to the environment. An improved design of the rocket stove and its performance as per the Clean Cook Stove Alliance procedures are reported in the present work. Previous works indicate that the square cross-section does not have a continuous air velocity. Divergent sections reduce fluid velocity and improve combustion and flow as well as reduce losses. The key features of the new design are: (a) cylindrical shape for even flow of air around the stove and improved stability for outdoor use, (b) secondary air inlets for improved combustion of wood fuel, (c) divergent combustion chamber for reduced air flowrate, which in turn would increase mixing of air and fuel, (d) double-walled cover for reduced heat losses and improved safety, and (e) base air intake design - fresh air is directed from the base. The resulting design allows better handling, improved heat transfer, easier ash collection, and improved aesthetics. Insulation was provided at the outer surface to minimize heat loss. Both cold-start and hot-start testing were carried out indoors and outdoors. Four types of wood were tested in this work. The results showed that the use of insulation and 360-degrees air entry points complement each other well in achieving a consistent air supply to the burning fuel. Arranging the wood vertically reduces the smoke expelled and increases the burning rate. The calorific values of the four wood species did not greatly differ from each other. However, Bruguiera Gymnorhiza, locally known as Dogo, gave the maximum efficiency of 36% due to the closely compacted hydrocarbons in it.

Item Type:	Conference Proceedings
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Rocket stove; biomass; wood-fuel; emissions
Subjects:	T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
Divisions:	School of Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics (STEMP)
Depositing User:	M. Rafiuddin Ahmed
Date Deposited:	06 Mar 2024 22:10
Last Modified:	14 Mar 2024 22:33
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/14425

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