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Performance Evaluation of an Improved Bioflame Stove using Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)

Rachis as Solid Fuel

 

Sharmaine N. Pardua1, Jessie C. Elauria2, Edgardo V. Casas3 and Rossana Marie C. Amongo4

 

ABSTRACT

 

Developing countries source majority of its energy for cooking from biomass mainly, wood and charcoal. Performance of the Improved Bioflame Stove using coconut rachis as solid fuel at different moisture      content and length, and with varying area of air opening of the stove was evaluated through the following indicators: thermal efficiency, specific fuel consumption, and burning rate. Levels of fuel moisture content were 12-14%, 20-22%, and 28-30% in wet basis; fuel lengths were 25 mm, 50 mm, and 75 mm; and areas of air opening were 1875mm2, 1225mm2, and 575mm2. The size of fuel and area of air opening significantly affected the burning rate in the stove. Moisture content significantly affected the specific fuel consumption and thermal efficiency. Coconut rachis can be used as fuel in Improved Bioflame Stove and a desirability value of 90% can be attained under the following optimal conditions: 12-14% fuel moisture content, 75 mm of length, and 1875 mm2 of the stove’s air opening. Verification tests on the optimal conditions showed no significant difference on and verified the predicted values.

Keywords: biomass, fuel, stove, coconut rachis, combustion, household cooking

1BS Agricultural Engineering graduate, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB); 2Professor, Agricultural and Bio-Process Division (ABPROD), Institute of Agricultural Engineering (IAE), College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology (CEAT), UPLB; 3University Researcher II/Affiliate Professor, ABPROD, IAE, CEAT, UPLB; 4Assistant Professor, Agricultural Machinery Division (AMD), IAE, CEAT, UPLB