Experimental studies on combustible fuel block strategy for cooking

This paper presents experimental results of a study on the feasibility of making highly densified fuel block from agro residues that could be used for applications such as domestic cooking and barbecuing. A strategy had been adopted to determine the best suitable raw materials which meet both the criteria of performance and economy. In this regard several experiments were conducted with various raw materials in different proportions and it was found that fuel block composed of 40% biomass, 40% charcoal powder, 15% binder and 5% oxidizer fulfills the requirement of performance as well as economy. The unique geometry of this kind of fuel block (cylindrical one with a number of holes extending from top to bottom unlike traditional biomass briquette with single or no holes) helps in smokeless operation with reasonably steady thermal output. The geometry of the fuel block is so designed that it operates in partially premixed mode of combustion thus leading to better combustion and thereby lower emission. A typical fuel block for cooking weighing about 700-800g provides a thermal output of 1.5 kWth, with a burn time of 1.5 hours. Water boiling tests have indicated a thermal efficiency in the range of 55-58%

Solid fuel block as an alternate fuel for cooking and barbecuing: Preliminary result

A large part of the rural people of developing countries use traditional biomass stoves to meet their cooking and heating energy demands. These stoves possess very low thermal efficiency; besides, most of them cannot handle agricultural wastes. Thus, there is a need to develop an alternate cooking contrivance which is simple, efficient and can handle a range of biomass including agricultural wastes. In this reported work, a highly densified solid fuel block using a range of low cost agro residues has been developed to meet the cooking and heating needs. A strategy was adopted to determine the best suitable raw materials, which was optimized in terms of cost and performance. Several experiments were conducted using solid fuel block which was manufactured using various raw materials in different proportions; it was found that fuel block composed of 40% biomass, 40% charcoal powder, 15% binder and 5% oxidizer fulfilled the requirement. Based on this finding, fuel blocks of two different configurations viz. cylindrical shape with single and multi-holes (3, 6, 9 and 13) were constructed and its performance was evaluated. For instance, the 13 hole solid fuel block met the requirement of domestic cooking; the mean thermal power was 1.6 kWth with a burn time of 1.5 h. Furthermore, the maximum thermal efficiency recorded for this particular design was 58%. Whereas, the power level of single hole solid fuel block was found to be lower but adequate for barbecue cooking application

Solid oxide fuel cell operating with biomass derived producer gas: Status and challenges

Solid oxide fuel cell as a conversion device is finding importance in the energy sector due to its high efficiency, low emissions and fuel flexibility. The use of producer gas as a fuel is gaining importance due to certain advantages over the conventional fuels while challenges lie in its usage due to the inherent contaminants present. This paper consolidates the efforts carried out using fossil fuels,and highlights the challenges, and further, the progress made in the use of producer gas is critically examined. The effects of contaminants such as tar, particulate matter, H2S etc. on anode materials are highlighted, and the published results are consolidated to examine whether the maximum tolerance limits of the contaminants be identified. However, it is observed that due to many inexorable factors viz., differences in the electrode material, microstructure, diverse operating conditions, the conclusions obtained are diverse and it is difficult to predict the general behavior of a particular contaminant. The need for a comprehensive study having both experimental and theoretical components focusing on the role of contaminants under the same operating conditions and using the same materials is highlighted as a major conclusion of this study. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Solid fuel block as an alternate fuel for cooking and barbecuing: preliminary results

A large part of the rural people of developing countries use traditional biomass stoves to meet their cooking and heating energy demands. These stoves possess very low thermal efficiency; besides, most of them cannot handle agricultural wastes. Thus, there is a need to develop an alternate cooking contrivance which is simple, efficient and can handle a range of biomass including agricultural wastes. In this reported work, a highly densified solid fuel block using a range of low cost agro residues has been developed to meet the cooking and heating needs. A strategy was adopted to determine the best suitable raw materials, which was optimized in terms of cost and performance. Several experiments were conducted using solid fuel block which was manufactured using various raw materials in different proportions; it was found that fuel block composed of 40% biomass, 40% charcoal powder, 15% binder and 5% oxidizer fulfilled the requirement. Based on this finding, fuel blocks of two different configurations viz. cylindrical shape with single and multi-holes (3, 6, 9 and 13) were constructed and its performance was evaluated. For instance, the 13 hole solid fuel block met the requirement of domestic cooking; the mean thermal power was 1.6 kWth with a burn time of 1.5 h. Furthermore, the maximum thermal efficiency recorded for this particular design was 58%. Whereas, the power level of single hole solid fuel block was found to be lower but adequate for barbecue cooking application