Title:
CFD-aided optimization of Low-cost Multi-fuel TLUD Cookstoves with Extremely Low Emissions
Author(s):
Schobel, D., Von Berg, L., Hochenauer, C., Anca-Couce, A., Lello, D., Scharler, R.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
Forced-draft top-lit updraft (TLUD) gasifier stoves represent a promising low-cost solution for reducing household air pollution in low-income regions. This study presents a combined numerical and experimental approach to optimize a multifuel pellet TLUD stove design, focusing on heat transfer and the reduction of emissions from incomplete combustion, specifically carbon monoxide (CO), which also serves as a tracer of other relevant pollutants such as tar, PAHs and soot. CFD simulations, validated against ISO 19867-1 laboratory tests, were used to evaluate several design modifications, including fire chamber extension, improved insulation, and a secondary air injection strategy termed double air staging which is new to cook stoves. The CFD results indicate an increase in thermal efficiency from about 43.5% to 48.5% and a 20% reduction in CO emissions compared to the baseline, which was developed in an earlier CFD study. Compared to the original stove, a CO reduction of 52% is achieved according to CFD simulations. Experimental results confirm the CO reduction, showing a reduction in average CO emissions over the whole batch of up to 68% and significantly more stable combustion. Although the simulations assume steady-state conditions, they effectively capture key performance trends and support targeted design improvements. These findings underscore the potential of simulation-guided, experimentally validated design to advance clean and efficient cooking technologies as they enable a deeper understanding of the underlying processes.
Keywords:
combustion, modelling, cooking systems
Topic:
Biomass Conversion for Bioenergy
Subtopic:
Advanced biomass combustion
Event:
33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
4BV.1.5
Pages:
726 - 731
ISBN:
978-88-89407-25-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/33rdEUBCE2025-4BV.1.5
Price:
FREE
