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Small scale electricity generation from a portable biomass cookstove: Prototype design and preliminary results

Author

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  • O’Shaughnessy, S.M.
  • Deasy, M.J.
  • Kinsella, C.E.
  • Doyle, J.V.
  • Robinson, A.J.

Abstract

The World Health Organisation estimates that over 20% of the global population (∼1.4 billion people) lack access to electricity. Furthermore, 40% of the global population (∼2.7 billion people) rely on the traditional use of biomass for cooking (WHO 2011, OEDC/IEA, 2010). This study details the development of a prototype electrical generator for portable stoves commonly in use in the developing world. This generator is capable of delivering small amounts of off-grid electricity. Power is generated using the thermoelectric effect. A single thermoelectric module is utilised to convert a small portion of heat from the stove to electricity. The electricity produced is used to charge a single 3.3V lithium–iron phosphate battery and drive a low power fan, as well as some other auxiliary features. The airflow produced by the fan is used in conjunction with a commercially available heat pipe heat sink to maintain an adequate temperature difference across the thermoelectric module. From experiments in the laboratory, a maximum TEG power output of 5.9W has been obtained. On average, 3Wh of energy was stored in a battery during a typical 1h long burn. Three 1h long burns produced sufficient energy to fully charge the battery. The performance of the electricity generating cooking stove has subsequently been tested in Malawi using locally sourced fuel and fire stoking methods.

Suggested Citation

  • O’Shaughnessy, S.M. & Deasy, M.J. & Kinsella, C.E. & Doyle, J.V. & Robinson, A.J., 2013. "Small scale electricity generation from a portable biomass cookstove: Prototype design and preliminary results," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 374-385.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:102:y:2013:i:c:p:374-385
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2012.07.032
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Liao, Xinzhong & Liu, Yuxuan & Ren, Jiahang & Guan, Liuping & Sang, Xuehao & Wang, Bowen & Zhang, Hang & Wang, Qiuwang & Ma, Ting, 2020. "Investigation of a double-PCM-based thermoelectric energy-harvesting device using temperature fluctuations in an ambient environment," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 202(C).
    3. Kütt, Lauri & Millar, John & Karttunen, Antti & Lehtonen, Matti & Karppinen, Maarit, 2018. "Thermoelectric applications for energy harvesting in domestic applications and micro-production units. Part I: Thermoelectric concepts, domestic boilers and biomass stoves," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 519-544.
    4. Deasy, M.J. & Baudin, N. & O'Shaughnessy, S.M. & Robinson, A.J., 2017. "Simulation-driven design of a passive liquid cooling system for a thermoelectric generator," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 205(C), pages 499-510.
    5. Compadre Torrecilla, Marcos & Montecucco, Andrea & Siviter, Jonathan & Knox, Andrew R. & Strain, Andrew, 2019. "Novel model and maximum power tracking algorithm for thermoelectric generators operated under constant heat flux," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(C).
    6. Raman, Perumal & Ram, Narasimhan K. & Gupta, Ruchi, 2014. "Development, design and performance analysis of a forced draft clean combustion cookstove powered by a thermo electric generator with multi-utility options," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 813-825.
    7. Mehetre, Sonam A. & Panwar, N.L. & Sharma, Deepak & Kumar, Himanshu, 2017. "Improved biomass cookstoves for sustainable development: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 672-687.
    8. Kshirsagar, Milind P. & Kalamkar, Vilas R., 2014. "A comprehensive review on biomass cookstoves and a systematic approach for modern cookstove design," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 30(C), pages 580-603.
    9. Manoj Kumar, & Sachin Kumar, & Tyagi, S.K., 2013. "Design, development and technological advancement in the biomass cookstoves: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 26(C), pages 265-285.
    10. Montecucco, Andrea & Siviter, Jonathan & Knox, Andrew R., 2014. "The effect of temperature mismatch on thermoelectric generators electrically connected in series and parallel," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 123(C), pages 47-54.
    11. Huaibin Gao & Xiaojiang Liu & Chuanwei Zhang & Yu Ma & Hongjun Li & Guanghong Huang, 2023. "Design and Experimental Investigation of a Self-Powered Fan Based on a Thermoelectric System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-12, January.
    12. Montecucco, Andrea & Siviter, Jonathan & Knox, Andrew R., 2015. "Constant heat characterisation and geometrical optimisation of thermoelectric generators," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 248-258.
    13. Sutar, Kailasnath B. & Kohli, Sangeeta & Ravi, M.R. & Ray, Anjan, 2015. "Biomass cookstoves: A review of technical aspects," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 1128-1166.
    14. Montecucco, Andrea & Knox, Andrew R., 2014. "Accurate simulation of thermoelectric power generating systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 166-172.
    15. Favarel, Camille & Bédécarrats, Jean-Pierre & Kousksou, Tarik & Champier, Daniel, 2014. "Numerical optimization of the occupancy rate of thermoelectric generators to produce the highest electrical power," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 104-116.

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