Energy for Sustainable Development
The Journal of the International
Energy Initiative
© 2007, International Energy Initiative, Inc.
ISSN: 0973-0826
Volume XII, No.2, June 2008, pp. 66-77
Laboratory
study of the effects of moisture content on heat transfer and
combustion efficiency of three biomass cook stoves
Ernestine A.T. Yuntenwi, Nordica MacCarty Dean Still, and
Jürgen Ertel
Abstract
The effect of wood
moisture content on the performance and emissions of
biomass-fired stoves was assessed using the laboratory-based
water boiling test. This test yielded a number of performance
indicators (time to boil water, specific fuel consumption and
energy efficiency) when the stove was operated at both high
and low power. When combined with emission measurements,
combustion efficiency was investigated as well. This paper
presents an integrated efficiency evaluation of the
traditional open fire, an Aprovecho rocket stove from China
and a “skirt” stove which were all tested each at 5 %, 15 %
and 30 % moisture content (wet basis) of wood. Results showed
that an increase in moisture content increased efficiency up
to a point. Extremely dry or over-wet fuel inhibited
combustion efficiency. Overall, the type of stove exhibited a
stronger effect on the total emissions than did the moisture
level in the fuel.
Key-words:
Moisture content, biomass cook stoves, emission factors,
combustion efficiency, heat transfer efficiency
