The Technical Design Concept of Hi-Tech Cook Stove for Urban Communities using Non-Wood Agricultural Waste as Fuel Sources

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to conceptualize an urban Hi-Tech Cook-Stove (HTCS) design using agricultural waste. Several steps need to be carried out. First, determine the cooking activities depend on the family size and food categories. Second, calculate the energy required for cooking. Third, determine the mass of biomass fuel required. Fourth, calculate the fuel consumption rate. Fifth, design the dimensions of the stove by considering the ergonomics, easy in manufacturing, installation, etc. Sixth, estimate the volume of each component. The result shows that the fuel supply must adjust the flow rate of fuel, air to fuel ratio controlled by a simple mechanical-electric compressor, monitor the combustion chamber visually/automatically, and the dust must be collected/disposed of automatically/mechanically. HTCS must consider the pellets from the higher heating value and faster of biomass with a certain composition of chopped and fibre, also the safety and comfort, such as overheating control, air exhaust control, combustion control, cooling control. For the future, the HTCS technical design concept must be integrated with the electricity and hot water from solar energy by using a hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) collector and urban biogas digester in the development of smart grids and smart cities.