Performance analysis of a top lit updraft (TLUD) gasifier stove, operated with respect to fuel characteristics of multiple types of biomass feedstock

Abstract

Abstract. Nearly 3 billion of people, across the globe are using biomass cookstove to meet their energy requirement for cooking, water heating and space heating. These cookstoves work at a low efficiency and emits harmful pollutants which affect the health of women and children. Clean combustion and high efficiency are two focus areas that need to be improved in biomass cookstoves. . In this context, there are several improved cookstoves (based on top lit up-draft (TLUD) gasification principle) coming up as a solution to the above mentioned issues. However, the appropriate solution for clean cooking is yet to come. Considering the local need and biomass availability, performance of a TLUD stove (designed to meet the local need in China) was analyzed in detail. A selected set of biomass fuel, such as corn cob, wood chips, coal, wood char, biomass pellets and briquettes were considered for testing the performance of the cookstove. The TLUD stove was analyzed with respect to a maximum and minimum firepower. In addition, the biomass fuels burning rate, rate of power output and efficiency were tested for comparison and evaluation of the cookstove performance and fuel suitability. Biomass characteristics are analyzed with its proximate analysis and energy content. The results showed that the wood char (CO-45.8%, H2-23.7%, CO2-4.1%, CH4-0.6% and N2 -25.7%) was found as a good fuel from the compositions of the gases as compared to other fuels. The thermal efficiency of the woochar was achieved (17.8%), and tar production (7g).