Performance Analysis of an Inverted Downdraft Biomass Gasifier Cookstove and its Impact on Rural Kitchen

Abstract

The paper presents an experimental study on performance analysis of an inverted downdraft biomass gasifier (IDBG) cookstove at laboratory level to determine its thermal efficiency and emissions as per BIS standards. Further, the study was extended to the field test of the same model for cooking food in the kitchen to study its impact on the rural kitchen in comparison with the traditional chulha. The major performance indicators considered during the study were saving of fuel wood and cooking time under the normal cooking practices followed by the identified user family. The laboratory evaluation of the IDBG cook stove showed that the thermal efficiency varied between 36 to 39%, while the average CO/CO₂ ratio was below 0.04. Field test showed that IDBG cookstove managed about 47% savings in fuel wood and 51% savings in cooking time as compared to traditional chulha which was the result of better thermal efficiency and heat transfer. The IDBG cookstove showed good acceptance to the user with requirements of few modifications.