Development and performance analysis of top lit updraft: natural draft gasifier stoves with various feed stocks

Abstract

The performance of an Ethiopian-designed and built-in gasifier stove was studied and evaluated. The water boiling test (WBT) findings are reported. This test was conducted in a controlled setting utilizing eucalyptus, bamboo, and sawdust-cow dung briquettes as test feedstocks, in accordance with WBT's 4.2.3 standard process and test manuals. Based on moisture content, the net calorific values of eucalyptus, bamboo, and sawdust-cow dung briquettes were calculated and determined to be 15.77 MJ/kg, 14.70 MJ/kg, and 15.35 MJ/kg, respectively. The efficiency of this stove was calculated utilizing those three feedstocks. As a result, the gasifier stove's efficiency having eucalyptus, sawdust-cow dung briquette, and bamboo as feedstock were 32.30 ± 0.3%, 31.5 ± 0.5%, and 26.25 ± 0.25%, respectively. This proportion did not include the ultimate charcoal production, but when this yield was employed as an energy input for additional charcoal burners, it increased to 53 ± 2%. The relationship between gasifier stove charcoal production and total efficiency is negatively related, with a linear equation of Y = - 0.7956X+ 22.766 and an R-squared value of 0.92. When compared to local stoves and foreign gasifier stoves, whose efficiency is in the range of 10 %–39% this efficiency rating was exceptional due to the fact that space between the internal and external cylinder help the secondary air to preheat before combustion and also the interior hallow cylinder help the primary air to move evenly in the vertical circular pattern for proper gasification, it will also help the gases that are produced during gasification process to move to the top part for combustion, indicating that this study can be fostered for prospective use.