Design and testing of thermoelectric generator embedded clean forced draft biomass cookstove

Abstract

This paper signifies a method of development of a forced draft biomass cook stove for off-grid rural areas where the technology of thermoelectric generator has been implemented for electricity generation. The thermoelectric generator is a semiconductor device that converts heat energy directly to electrical energy. The thermoelectric generator is positioned on outer wall of the cook stove's combustion chamber. The biomass, that is burnt inside the combustion chamber heats one side of the thermoelectric generator. The temperature difference between the two sides of the thermoelectric generator causes for electricity generation. The electricity generated from the thermoelectric generator is used to run a DC fan. The excess energy generated from the thermoelectric generator is stored in a rechargeable battery. The energy from the battery is used for multipurpose applications like lighting a LED lamp, charging a mobile phone battery and kick starting of the fan when the temperature of the flame is low during ignition period. The main purpose of the DC fan is to supply air inside the combustion chamber to increase fuel-to-air ratio and to achieve a cleaner fuel burning by reducing harmful emissions. The fan also cools one side of the thermoelectric generator to produce greater temperature difference. The temperature difference between the two sides of the thermoelectric generator is directly proportional to electricity generated. The performances of the 25 stove were evaluated on the basis of feedback from the stove users.