Experimental evaluation of low-cost thermoelectric integrated rocket stove

Abstract

Fuel wood is the most important source of cooking energy for households in developing countries such as Ethiopia, particularly in rural areas where alternative sources are either unavailable or simply unaffordable. Even if the country is using different electricity generation methods, it has not been enough to meet the surplus need of society. In this research, a thermoelectric generator integrated biomass rocket stove was designed and a prototype of the stove was manufactured. The performance evaluation was conducted using laboratory-based measurement ISO 19,867–1. The overall thermal efficiency of the stove was around 29 %. The TEG rocket stove was able to run a fan directly. To get a uniform output voltage a DC-DC boost converter was used. After being connected to the DC-DC converter it was able to generate an output voltage of 5 V and output power of 3.5W- 5 W depending on the current produced. At an average temperature difference of 90 °C, the stove was able to generate an output power of 5 W with a conversion efficiency of 4.3 %. The TEG rocket stove was able to light LED lamps that require a USB input of 2.5 W, charge mobile phones, tablets, and a Bluetooth radio that requires an input power of 5 W. The estimated cost of thermoelectric generating rocket stove is 92 USD with a lifetime of at least five years. The stove can further be designed for mass manufacturing so that it is disseminated to the rural community in developing worlds such as Ethiopia.