Design and performance evaluation of a batch-type rice hull gasifier stove

Abstract

A batch-type rice hull gasifier stove was designed and its performance as a potential alternative fuel saving device for cooking was evaluated. The stove is a single-burner with a double-core, down draft type reactor. Gas is generated in the system by using a suction blower driven by a 90-watt electric motor. Performance evaluation showed that the stove has a start-up time of 4 to 9 min and a total operating period of 0.98 to 1.25 hour per batch with corresponding rice hull consumption of 1.96 to 2.72 kg. About 1.2 to 4.0 liters of water can be boiled in the stove within 10 to 34 min while 0.7 to 1.0 kg rice can be cooked within 16 to 22 min. Analysis showed that the stove has a gasification rate of 95 to 143 kg/m 2-hr, a fire zone rate of 0.80 to 1.02 em/min, and an average burning and thermal efficiencies of 21 and 10%, respectively. The stove entailed an operation cost of P0.94/hr and a payback period based on electric, charcoal, and LPG stoves of 0.42, 1.30, and 3.35 years, respectively.