Biomass Cookstoves Research Articles

Sustainable bio-energy production models for eradicating open field burning of paddy straw in Punjab, India

The mechanized harvesting of paddy crop has led into open field burning of paddy straw. Burning of million tonnes of paddy straw releases huge potent greenhouse gases which creates perturbations to regional atmospheric chemistry. This paper presents a case study on utilization of paddy straw for power generation through biomethane and bioethanol production on commercial scale and improved biomass cookstove on domestic scale. Three scenario (biomethane, bioethanol and pellet for improved biomass cookstove) have been compared for their energy economics and emission. It has been revealed that if paddy straw is not being burned, it can be effectively utilized for biomethanation and bioethanol production which can yield energy equivalent of 8.0 GJ/tonne and 5.6 GJ/tonne, respectively, while pelletized paddy straw can be used in improved biomass cookstoves to meet out thermal cooking energy requirement with reduced indoor air pollution. The analysis further revealed that biomethanation of paddy straw reduces net global warming potential by 2750 CO2e kg emissions/tonne. However, bioethanol production showed net global warming potential reduction of 2549 CO2e kg emissions/tonne. The pelletization of paddy straw for improved cookstove showed net global warming potential reduction of 2459 CO2e kg emissions/tonne.

Mitigation of domestic indoor air pollution in a pristine rural area of India

PurposeDifferent pollutants emission due to the conventional energy consumption process is of major concern owed to its significant effect on human health vis-à-vis regional climate. The purpose of this paper is to develop mitigation strategies to reduce the pollutant concentrations in the rural households conducted in a pristine rural village of Indian Sunderban area.Design/methodology/approachDuring winter, 2014, 20 households which were using traditional biomass cookstove for cooking and kerosene-lamp for lighting (KIT-TRD) were randomly selected. Specific type of improved forced draft biomass cookstove and solar lantern were used in ten of the selected households (KIT-IMP). Real time concentrations of particulate matter (PM) (PM2.5, PM10) and carbon monoxide (CO) during day and evening time cooking period were measured in KIT-IMP and KIT-TRD. A simulation model was established to evaluate most potential factor to control the level of pollutants inside the kitchen.FindingsConventional processes of energy consumption in the households, along with the outdoor concentration of pollutants influence the indoor concentration of measured pollutants. The concentration of PM and CO was significantly lower in the KIT-IMP than the other. In the KIT-TRD households, the daytime concentration of PM and CO was significantly higher compared to the evening. The simulated output overestimated the concentration of PM10 and CO in the KIT-TRD.Originality/valueThe concentration of PM2.5, PM10 and CO significantly reduces in the indoor environment with the introduction of improved cookstove and solar lantern; however, further research is required to develop optimum sizes of window and door in the rural households to reduce the concentrations of different pollutants inside the kitchen.

Alloy Corrosion Considerations in Low-Cost, Clean Biomass Cookstoves for the Developing World

Nearly 40% of the world cooks on open fires or inefficient biomass-fueled cookstoves. The resulting smoke is a health hazard, contributing to an estimated 4 million premature deaths per year, as well as a major source of black carbon emissions. One solution is the introduction of improved, clean-burning biomass cookstoves. One of the most challenging components is the combustor, which must operate at high temperatures (often ≥600°C) in the presence of highly corrosive species released from biomass fuel combustion, yet be sufficiently low cost to permit widespread adoption. The present work reports the development of accelerated corrosion test screening protocols employing highly corrosive salt and water vapor species, specifically designed to evaluate alloys for clean biomass cookstove combustors, and corrosion findings for a range of commercial and developmental alloys. A new Fe-Cr-Si base alloy that offers promise for improved corrosion resistance at lower cost than state-of the art FeCrAl and stainless steel alloys is also reported.

Performance and emission reduction potential of micro-gasifier improved through better design

Biomass gasification is getting popular for household cooking application in most developing countries including Ethiopia. The preference for biomass gasification is due to the generation of less CO (Carbon Monoxide) and PM (Particulate Matter) in comparison with other biomass cookstoves. Our study showed the improvement in thermal efficiency and emission reduction potential of micro-gasifier. A prototype micro-gasifier was built and tested using the water boiling test protocol. The test results gave a thermal efficiency of 39.6% and a specific fuel consumption of 57 g of fuel/ liter of water. With regard to indoor air pollution, the maximum CO & PM registered were 12.5 ppm and 1.85 mg/m3, respectively. Using clean development mechanism (CDM) methodology, the estimated emission reduction potential of the micro-gasifier is 1.30 tCO2 per micro-gasifier per year. Generally, the micro-gasifier has better performance compared to the previous designs proposed by other researchers. Thus, disseminating our micro-gasifier at a larger scale in developing countries such as Ethiopia will be beneficial in reducing deforestation and emission that will be brought about by using open-fire stoves and thus, helps to obtain carbon credit.

Development of Advanced Cook Stove with Optimum Air Mixture using CFD

The drastic hype in fuel consumption and oil price hike in world market, people around the world intended to move towards the alternative source of energy like biomass for cooking. Many cook stove programmes were implemented in the world aiming to reduce the fuel consumption as well as pollutants through improved biomass cook stoves. Many improved cook stoves have the maximum efficiency with higher level of fuel consumption due to its higher burning rate. In this paper an attempt has been made to improve the thermal efficiency by reducing heat losses mean time in reduced specific fuel consumption. The pollutants emitted by the improved stove is extremely reduced by proper supply of air for combustion. Since advanced cook stove is made to operate at different geographical region, should be harmonious to the use of different fuels. The newly developed ACS IES-15 stove is tested with coconut shell and the result is compared with existing (TERI SPT-0610) stove commercially available in the market at higher thermal efficiency (37%). Testing procedure is followed as per the world standard testing protocol WBT 4.2.3 to evaluate the performance of these stoves and analysed in terms of efficiency and specific fuel consumption.

Design of a Top-Lit Up-Draft Micro-gasifier Biomass Cookstove by Thermodynamic Analysis and Fluent Modeling

In this work the complete thermo-mechanical design of a biomass top-lit up-draft (TLUD) cookstove is presented. A design methodology which is based on mass and energy balances, geometry relations among the main dimensions of the cookstove, and fluent modeling is proposed. Three models were designed, sized, and simulated through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) conducted in ANSYS Fluent 15.0.7. These designs allowed analyzing the effect of cookstove design, primary and secondary air inlets (diameter and air supply setup) required in the gasification and combustion processes, respectively. Simulations indicated that compressed air is not a suitable way to supply the air flow for gasification and combustion stages, due to the poor velocity distribution across the grate and secondary holes. Therefore, the final stove design will operate with axial fans to favor a good mixture between biomass and the air in the gasification stage, and between producer gas and the air in the combustion zone. Operation with axial fans, in the final cookstove design, allowed obtaining a low standard deviation of air velocity through the grate holes and through secondary air ring holes (±0.13 m/s, and ±0.45 m/s, respectively), which entails a better cookstove performance. This air supply system, also presented combustion air velocities through the secondary ring holes according to the ones reported in the literature (3.02 m/s), which is important for the suitable air and producer gas mixing.

Follow-up study of improved cookstoves in the Cuzco region of Peru

ABSTRACTApproximately three billion people use traditional biomass cookstoves. These stoves contribute to indoor air pollution, notably affecting women and children, and to deforestation and climate change. Improved cookstoves have been offered as a solution, but low rates of adoption are common among stove programmes. This paper is a follow-up study of a stove programme run by the NGO Proworld Service Corps in Cuzco, Peru. A survey was administered in 43 households in three communities. The results indicate an adoption rate of 70% and identify the characteristics of the stoves that contribute to their adoption and sustained use.

Why Have Improved Cook-Stove Initiatives in India Failed?

Summary An estimated 2.7 billion people cook meals on biomass-fueled brick, stone, and clay stoves. Scarcity of wood and negative impacts on health and environment have motivated efforts to design and distribute “improved” cook-stoves in developing countries. In India, adoption is limited despite massive promotion over many decades. Existing research suggests that many rural women in India do not want improved stoves, and those who do face obstacles to adoption. We step back from the many good case studies to examine the broader story of improved cook-stoves (ICs) in India. We do so by bringing together technical research of applied science and narrative critique of social science. Rather than assuming a priori that traditional stoves require replacement, we ask why Indian cook-stoves been a magnet for so much attention, why adoptions rates have remained low, and what lessons might be learned from a broad, multi-disciplinary perspective. Our approach is critical and reflexive, given our own involvement in IC efforts, and puts gender at the center. Our “big picture” review shows that the Indian chulha, for all its problems, is a remarkably successful technology which also satisfies several important household needs. Hence, targeting this device for obsolescence has profound implications that cannot be reduced to energy consumption or environmental hazards. Rural women do not prioritize ICs, but addressing their priorities requires either capital-intensive investment or challenging powerful institutions. In contrast, IC interventions are relatively cheap, decentralized, mechanical and seemingly apolitical, hence their popularity in development programs. Our review of chulha research leads us to reject both the optimism of development planners who frame such problems as technical and the antagonistic pessimism of their critics. Searching for a middle ground requires stepping back from the dogma of efforts to improve biomass cook-stoves.

Assessment of traditional and improved stove use on household air pollution and personal exposures in rural western Kenya

BackgroundOver 40% of the world's population relies on solid fuels for heating and cooking. Use of improved biomass cookstoves (ICS) has the potential to reduce household air pollution (HAP). ObjectivesAs part of an evaluation to identify ICS for use in Kenya, we collected indoor air and personal air samples to assess differences between traditional cookstoves (TCS) and ICS. MethodsWe conducted a cross-over study in 2012 in two Kenyan villages; up to six different ICS were installed in 45 households during six two-week periods. Forty-eight hour kitchen measurements of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) were collected for the TCS and ICS. Concurrent personal CO measurements were conducted on the mother and one child in each household. We performed descriptive analysis and compared paired measurements between baseline (TCS only) and each ICS. ResultsThe geometric mean of 48-hour baseline PM2.5 and CO concentrations in the kitchen was 586μg/m3 (95% CI: 460, 747) and 4.9ppm (95% CI: 4.3, 5.5), respectively. For each ICS, the geometric mean kitchen air pollutant concentration was lower than the TCS: median reductions were 38.8% (95% CI: 29.5, 45.2) for PM2.5 and 27.1% (95% CI: 17.4, 40.3) for CO, with statistically significant relationships for four ICS. We also observed a reduction in personal exposures to CO with ICS use. ConclusionsWe observed a reduction in mean 48-hour PM2.5 and CO concentrations compared to the TCS; however, concentrations for both pollutants were still consistently higher than WHO air quality guidelines. Our findings illustrate that ICS tested in real-world settings can reduce exposures to HAP, but implementation of cleaner fuels and related stove technologies may also be necessary to optimize public health benefits.

Effectiveness of Six Improved Cookstoves in Reducing Household Air Pollution and Their Acceptability in Rural Western Kenya.

BackgroundHousehold air pollution (HAP) from biomass fuel burning is linked to poor health outcomes. Improved biomass cookstoves (ICS) have the potential to improve HAP.ObjectivesA pre-/post- intervention study assessed the impact of six ICS on indoor air quality and acceptability of ICS to local users in rural Western Kenya.MethodsWe measured mean personal and kitchen level concentrations of particulate matter <2.5μm in diameter (PM2.5, μg/m3) and carbon monoxide (CO, ppm) during the 48-hour period of each ICS use in 45 households. We compared these levels to those observed with traditional 3-stone fire (TSF) use. We assessed ICS acceptability through interviews and focus groups. We evaluated association of stove type, fuel use, and factors related to cooking practices with mean kitchen PM2.5 and CO using multivariable regression.ResultsStove type, exclusive ICS use (vs. concurrent TSF use), and the amount of fuel used were independently associated with kitchen PM2.5 and CO levels. Reductions (95%CI) in mean PM2.5 compared to TSF, ranged by ICS from 11.9% (-2.8–24.5) to 42.3% (32.3–50.8). Reductions in kitchen CO compared to TSF, ranged by ICS from -5.8% (-21.9–8.2) to 34.5% (23.2–44.1). Mean kitchen PM2.5 ranged from 319μg/m3 to 518μg/m3 by ICS. Women thought ICS were easy to use, more efficient, produced less smoke, and cooked faster, compared to TSF. Women also reported limitations for each ICS.ConclusionsWe documented reductions in HAP from ICS compared to TSF. The PM2.5 levels with ICS use were still considerably higher than WHO indoor air quality guidelines. Achieving maximal potential of ICS requires adherence to more exclusive use and addressing user reported ICS limitations.

Financial attractiveness of decentralized renewable energy systems – A case of the central Himalayan state of Uttarakhand in India

Financial viability is arguably the most important requirement for large scale dissemination of decentralized renewable energy systems (DRESs). Financial viability of a DRES can vary from region to region as it depends on various geographical and socio-economic factors. With sufficient solar radiation availability throughout the year, abundant forest cover, dependence of majority of population on agriculture and remote villages facing energy access related challenges, the state of Uttarakhand in India has significant potential for the application of solar and biomass based DRESs. Based on the current fuel prices, subsidies and rebates, this study is an attempt to assess the financial attractiveness of solar and biomass based DRESs under various scenarios for their potential users in Uttarakhand.Improved biomass cookstove, domestic solar water heater, solar lantern and solar home system are found to be financially viable under almost all scenarios for household applications while dish type solar cooker, solar PV pump and solar dryer are not so attractive for household applications. It has also been found that the financial attractiveness of DRESs improve significantly with the removal of subsidy presently being given to fossil fuel based energy supply options.

User-centric approach for the design and sizing of natural convection biomass cookstoves for lower emissions

Biomass cookstove is a cuisine and user specific device. Every cuisine represents a unique cooking situation and the requirements such as; the range of cooking power required and the shape and size of utensils are almost rigid at the user-end. Hence, a single cookstove model cannot replace all the traditional stoves in the field, and user must be free to choose a stove size depending upon his/her own requirements. Moreover, the paradigm of cookstove design is shifting from energy-efficient stoves to the emissions efficient stoves. Hence, we have to ensure that, a stove design must fulfill user's requirements as well as new energy and environmental norms. The paper presents a user-centric design and sizing procedure, based upon findings from the parametric analysis of experimental data and simulations of validated heat and mass transfer model; subjected to different constraints.

Frugal energy innovations for developing countries - a framework.

Frugal innovations have recently emerged to feature low‐cost technologies and business innovations to serve consumers in emerging markets and improve their quality of life. Although the concept of frugality is well known, the present literature on frugal energy innovations, or energy frugality, is scarce, which could lead to overlooking its true characteristics. Therefore, we propose a framework for defining energy frugality based on a detailed analysis of several low‐cost sustainable energy technologies. The five‐criteria assessment method developed will help to identify potential frugal energy innovations and will increase the adoption of these technologies through better matching to local needs. Fuel‐efficient biomass cooking stoves, small‐scale photovoltaic systems, and pico‐grids are examples of such frugal energy technologies.

Evaluation of the performance of improved biomass cooking stoves with different solid biomass fuel types

We have studied the performance of different types of improved solid biomass cookstoves (Two natural draft and one forced draft) in comparison to the traditional cookstove (control) while preparing a particular meal with a variety of solid biomass fuels (e.g. fuel wood, dung cake and crop residue). Five replicates of each type of cookstove and fuel were maintained. The study was conducted in an Indian rural kitchen. There was no significant difference in the indoor concentrations of PM2.5 and CO when natural draft and traditional cookstoves were used with any type of solid fuel. However, significantly lower concentrations of PM2.5 and CO were recorded with forced draft stoves compared to others. While cooking with different types of solid biomass fuels, the concentrations of PM2.5 and CO in the indoor environment were decreased by 21–57% and 30–74% respectively with the forced draft cookstove in comparison to the traditional cookstove. The fuel consumption, cooking duration and thermal efficiency of a particular stove to prepare a particular amount of food also differ depending on the type of the solid fuel used for the cooking purpose. The thermal efficiency of traditional, natural draft and FD cookstoves were in the range of 15–17%, 16–27% and 30–35% respectively for different types of solid biomass fuels. However, further studies on the performance of stoves are required based on the size and type of fuel wood or crop residues.

Uncertainty analysis and design guidelines of biomass cookstove thermal efficiency studies

Many individuals in developing areas use biomass cookstoves for cooking although there are many inherent health hazards. Judging which improved cookstove to use and distinguishing the best one for a given cooking style to mitigate these hazards is challenging. Thermal efficiency (ηth) is one assessment parameter of cookstoves that is often used. To compare ηth between cookstoves or to assess the effects of a design change on ηth, it is important to understand how the uncertainty in ηth depends on measurements, input data (equipment uncertainties, literature values, etc.), and test conditions. In this work, measurement and input data uncertainties are quantified with a propagation of uncertainty analysis for a basic brick channel cookstove used in many Peruvian households. This method can be used in any study by using reasonable uncertainty values for that study. Results showed that the four main parameters contributing to 93% of the ηth uncertainty were the lower heating values (LHV) of wood and char, the moisture content, and the change in temperature of the water in the pot. Reducing the uncertainty of LHV of unprocessed fuels is the most difficult. If such fuels are used, reporting the LHV value and its associated uncertainty is highly valuable.

The Effects of Air Flow Rates, Secondary Air Inlet Geometry, Fuel Type, and Operating Mode on the Performance of Gasifier Cookstoves.

Development of biomass cookstoves that reduce emissions of CO and PM2.5 by more than 50% and 95%, respectively, compared to a three-stone fire has been promoted as part of efforts to reduce exposure to household air pollution (HAP) among people that cook with solid fuels. Gasifier cookstoves have attracted interest because some have been shown to emit less CO and PM2.5 than other designs. A laboratory test bed and new test procedure were used to investigate the influence of air flow rates, stove geometry, fuel type, and operating mode on gasifier cookstove performance. Power output, CO emissions, PM2.5 emissions, fuel consumption rates, producer gas composition, and fuel bed temperatures were measured. The test bed emitted <41 mg·MJd–1 PM2.5 and <8 g·MJd–1 CO when operating normally with certain prepared fuels, but order of magnitude increases in emission factors were observed for other fuels and during refueling. Changes in operating mode and fuel type also affected the composition of the producer gas entering the secondary combustion zone. Overall, the results suggest that the effects of fuel type and operator behavior on emissions need to be considered, in addition to cookstove design, as part of efforts to reduce exposure to HAP.

PM2.5 mass and black carbon from biomass-burning cookstoves in relation to diabetic status and metabolic syndrome among Honduran women

Introduction: Household air pollution (HAP) from inefficient biomass cookstoves is hypothesized to be a risk factor for metabolic disorders; however, epidemiologic evidence is lacking. We evaluated the association of PM2.5 (particulate matter&lt;2.5μm) and black carbon (BC) exposure with diabetic status as defined by HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) and metabolic syndrome in women in rural Honduras. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 107 female household cooks, 25-55 years of age, comparing traditional and improved-combustion biomass cookstoves. Integrated filter measures were collected to calculate area (inside the kitchen) and personal 24-hour PM2.5 and BC concentrations. HbA1c was analyzed as a binary (normal vs pre-diabetic/diabetic) variable. Metabolic syndrome was defined by a waist circumference ≥80cm plus any two of the following: triglycerides &gt;150mg/dl, HDL &lt;50mg/dl, systolic blood pressure ≥130mmHg, diastolic blood pressure ≥85mmHg or HbA1c &gt;5.6%. Age, dietary diversity score, physical activity, and socioeconomic status were included in all logistic regression models. Results: An interquartile range (IQR) increase in area PM2.5 (312.01 μg/m3) was associated with a 66% higher prevalence of pre-diabetes/diabetes (OR=1.66, 95%CI: 1.05, 2.62) and with a 47% higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (OR=1.47, 95%CI: 0.96, 2.25). An IQR increase in area BC (20.19 μg/m3) was associated with a 94% higher prevalence of pre-diabetes/diabetes (OR=1.94, 95%CI: 1.08, 3.47); results for metabolic syndrome were also suggestive (OR=1.39, 95%CI: 0.84, 2.28). For personal exposure measurements, results were similar to those for area exposure measures for pre-diabetes/diabetes; however, no evidence of an association was observed for metabolic syndrome. Conclusions: This is the first study to evaluate the association between exposure to HAP and prevalence of pre-diabetes/diabetes and metabolic syndrome, a growing burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries.

Understanding Adoption of clean cookstoves among the Participants of the Ghana Randomized Air Pollution and Health Study (GRAPHS)

Introduction Clean cook stoves help reduce firewood consumption, reduce exposure to household air pollution, and save households time from firewood gathering and cooking. The aim of the study is to determine the best ways to promote the adoption and continual use of clean cookstoves to minimize the health risks from household air pollution. Method Participants for this study were sampled from the Ghana Randomized Air Pollution and Health Study (GRAPHS), which provided participants with BioLite (Improved Biomass cookstove) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cookstoves and allocated participants to either an intervention arm (LPG or BioLite) or a control arm. A Qualitative study (10 focus group discussions consisting of 10 to 12 participants each) was conducted to identify the motivators and barriers to the adoption of clean cookstoves among participants in the LPG and BioLite Arms. A time activity survey was also conducted among 526 participants across all three arms of the study. It was to assess participants’ time use 24 hours prior to the interview. Results Participants in the FGDs reported that the clean cookstoves cook faster, emits no or very little smoke, improves their health and promotes harmony in the family. Cost was reported by participants as the main barrier to the adoption of clean cook stove, especially the LPG stoves. Initial results from the time use surveys did not show major difference in time spent gathering firewood and cooking across the study arms. Conclusion Understanding the motivators and barriers to clean cookstove usage could help promote usage of these stoves. However it will be essential to find ways to mitigate financial challenge that comes with the use of these stoves.

Multi-functionality clean biomass cookstove for off-grid areas

The burning of biomass in a traditional cookstove has led to significant particulate emissions and does not utilize the biomass efficiently. A forced draft biomass cookstove can reduce polluting emissions as compared to a traditional cookstove that is being used in developing countries. But, to achieve a cleaner combustion, it is necessary for the household to be connected with an electric supply to run the small dc-fan of such forced draft cookstoves. Thus, a thermoelectric generator (TEG) in conjunction with a biomass cookstove has been developed and deployed for electricity generation. The TEG technology deployed in a cookstove helps to run a small dc-fan even in off-grid areas. Two novel electrical circuit topologies with a TEG are presented here for the efficient power generation and clean cooking. Different types of commercially available thermoelectric generators were tested during the design & development process to obtain the required output. In addition to clean cooking, other functions such as lighting and battery charging (or mobile phone battery charging) are also available according to the user's interest and price sensitivity.

Sri Lanka Pilot Study to Examine Respiratory Health Effects and Personal PM2.5 Exposures from Cooking Indoors.

A pilot study of indoor air pollution produced by biomass cookstoves was conducted in 53 homes in Sri Lanka to assess respiratory conditions associated with stove type (“Anagi” or “Traditional”), kitchen characteristics (e.g., presence of a chimney in the home, indoor cooking area), and concentrations of personal and indoor particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5). Each primary cook reported respiratory conditions for herself (cough, phlegm, wheeze, or asthma) and for children (wheeze or asthma) living in her household. For cooks, the presence of at least one respiratory condition was significantly associated with 48-h log-transformed mean personal PM2.5 concentration (PR = 1.35; p < 0.001). The prevalence ratio (PR) was significantly elevated for cooks with one or more respiratory conditions if they cooked without a chimney (PR = 1.51, p = 0.025) and non-significantly elevated if they cooked in a separate but poorly ventilated building (PR = 1.51, p = 0.093). The PRs were significantly elevated for children with wheeze or asthma if a traditional stove was used (PR = 2.08, p = 0.014) or if the cooking area was not partitioned from the rest of the home (PR = 2.46, p = 0.012). For the 13 children for whom the cooking area was not partitioned from the rest of the home, having a respiratory condition was significantly associated with log-transformed indoor PM2.5 concentration (PR = 1.51; p = 0.014).