Monday, April 2, 2007

MAGH-1 WOODGAS (SMOKE BURNER) STOVE

I am very happy to share one of my new stove design called 'Magh-1 woodgas stove' / 'Magh Smoke Burner Stove'. This is based on the Top-lit up draft (TLUD) principle with forced primary and secondary air facility. The secondary air burns the smoke / gases generated during pyrolysis by primary air. A fan is installed on the stove for forced air generation. The efficiency of the stove is 5 to 6 times more as compared to the traditional biomass stoves i.e., same job can be done with just 20% to 30% of biomass otherwise used in traditional stoves. All types of biomass of homogeneous size (natural grade / chipped) can be used. Designs of the combustion chamber vary according to the type/s of biomass available.

To create the stove, it is attempted to use the locally available stainless material, which are most often used in the kitchen like tins, cylindrical cans, and other types of utensils. This is for reducing the cost (i.e. <20 $ USD) of the stove and also many people could easily start making these stoves on their own with locally available material and try to reach the millions of needy people.

The duration of flames is from 25 minutes to 45 minutes depending on the density of biomass. Total functioning time is 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes per batch loading of fuel. This model is convenient for a family of 5 members with two batch loads of fuel total cooking needs are met. Because of its compact size of just 10x6x6 inches dimension, it is also a very good companion for those who travel a lot. To boil 1/2 liter of milk it is takes just about 4 minutes, it means one can compare it with the standard LPG Stoves available in India.

I am greatful to the pioneers in this like Dr. Thomas Reed, Dr. Paul Anderson, Garlington, etc. who are responsible for refining the knowledge and technologies on T-LUD. I especially thankful to Dr. Paul Anderson having seen all my innovations and encouraging me during his recent visit to Hyderabad.

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