A Study on the Biomass Cook Stoves Used in Kerala and to Develop a Theoretical Design of T-Lud Natural Draft Gasifier Stove as an Option for Kerala's Cooking Culture

Abstract

Biomass constitutes the biggest source of energy in rural Kerala. However, its utilization in the domestic sector is mostly inefficient and polluting, resulting in resource wastage, indoor air pollution, which has drastic bad effects on the health of women and children. Traditional cook stoves, predominantly used in the households for domestic cooking, have been a major contributor to these ill effects. Improving stoves is an effective way of improving the environment and serving community. In cities, LPG and the wick type kerosene stoves of 1-3kWth with 60-65% efficiency is used. The best commercially efficient stoves that are available in Kerala is about 30%.

Gasification of wood (or other biomass) offers the possibility of cleaner, better controlled gas cooking for developing countries. Available technology for gasification could utilize a much wider variety and greater quantities of the biomass and provide significant energy while alleviating several pressing environmental concerns. The concept of less polluting, efficient gasifier cook stove has tremendous potential in a state like Kerala. This paper aims to study the different wood based cook stoves used in the state of Kerala and to design theoretically a gasifier based cook stove for house hold usage of Kerala with available biomass sources.