A Study Report

on

Efficiency Measurement
of
Biogas, Kerosene and LPG Stoves

Submitted to:
Biogas Support Program
Lalitpur, Nepal

Submitted by:
Center for Energy Studies
Institute of Engineering
Tribhuvan University
Pulchowk, Lalitpur
July 2001

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Center for Energy Studies, Institute of Engineering (CES/IOE) expresses its
sincere gratitude to Biogas Support Programme (BSP) for entrusting CES to carry out
Efficiency Measurement of Biogas. Kerosene and LPG stoves.
Study and preparation of this report would not have been possible without the
intensive work carried out by the core group members and associates of CES. CES is very
thankful to the all members involved in this study and other people who helped us by words
and deeds.
I would like to thank members of Kabir Ashram. Bishal Sadan at Jhamsikhel for their
co-operation in this study.
Last but not the least: CES expresses its sincere gratitude to Mr. Felix ter Heegde
(SNV/Nepal) and Mr. Sundar Bajgain. Project Manager of BSP. and staff of IOE and CES
for their help in completing this study.
Prof. J. N. Shrestha
Director
Center for Energy Studies
July 2001

Contents

Acknowledgements
1.

Introduction

2.

Literature Review

3.

Methodology

4.

Result

5.

Example

10

6.

Conclusion

11

7.

Recommendation

11

8.

References

12

Annexes
Calculation Software
Software Execution

1.

Introduction
An agreement was signed between Biogas Support Programme (BSP) and Center for
Energy Studies. Institute of Engineering (CES/IOE) on 6th July 2001 to find out the
efficiency of biogas stove. For comparison, efficiency of LPG (Liquefied Petroleum
Gas) and kerosene stove (pressure type and wick type) was also studied. The
biogas stove under test was manufactured by Nepal Metal Cast of Butwal. Nepal.

2.

Literature Review
Cooking stoves operate with a variety of fuels, such as solid, liquid, gaseous and
other fuels. Animal dung, agricultural waste, wood, charcoal, sawdust, biomass
briquette could be considered as solid fuels. Kerosene, alcohol, and other
hydrocarbons are termed as liquid fuels. LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), natural gas.
biogas etc could be considered as gaseous fuel.
Efficiency of a stove could be categorized as burning efficiency and overall efficiency.
Burning efficiency of a stove accounts for the capacity of that stove in terms of
combustion of fuel. In other words ability of the stove to change the energy from fuel to
heat energy is related with burning efficiency. The ability of the stove to change the
energy from fuel into the energy gained by the specimen such as water, rice. cum',
milk etc is termed as overall efficiency of the stove. Generally efficiency of stove is
indicated by overall efficiency.
Overall efficiency of stove depends upon different conditions such as temperature,
pressure, wind speed, specific heat capacity of the vessel, bottom and overall shape of
vessel, weight of vessel, size of vessel and amount of specimen. Thus different tests for
efficiency could yield different results of the same stove. Calorific value (MJ/kg or kJ/
Lit) of the fuel is the input energy for stove and should be accounted in course of
efficiency measurement. Calorific values of fuels may vary from sample to sample
procured at different locations.

2.1

Other evidences on calculation of efficiency of different types of stoves:

2.1.1 Efficiencies for major fuels used in Indian Household Stoves are

depicted below in table #1. Kirk R. Smith. R. Uma. V.V.N. Kishore. K. Lata. V.

Joshi. Jufeng Zhang. R.A. Ramussen and M. A. K. Khalil carried out the research on
the topics of Greenhouse Gases from Small-Scale Combustion Devices in
Developing Countries for USEPA in November 1998.
Table #1
Fuel / stove

Nominal Combustion Efficiency %

Biogas

Overall Efficiency %

99.4

57.4

53.6

LPG

97.7

Kerosene

96.5

Wood

90.1

49.5
;

22.8

Methodology applied by them were as follows:

Overall efficiency = hc * hr
Where.
hc = combustion efficiency
hr = Heat transfer efficiency
Overall efficiency = Percentage of chemical heat that enters the pot.
Nominal combustion efficiency

= A rough estimate of combustion efficiency

= The fraction of airborne carbon emissions that
are released as carbon dioxide.

This report could assessed in web: www.energv.demon.nl/GHG/stoves.htm.

2.1.2 The findings of Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI), on efficiency of different
types of stoves are shown in table #2.

Table #2
Efficiency (%)

Types of Stove
Biogas Stove

45

LPG Stove

60

Kerosene Stove

43

Wood Stove

10

Improves wood stoves

20

Electric Stove

70

These data could be assessed from the web site of TERI:

www.teriin.org/renew/tech/biogas
2.1.3 Other evidences could be found in the research paper of Tom Red. a
research student, who found out different types of stove efficiencies, which were as
follows:
Table # 3
Types of Stove

Efficiency Range (%)

Kerosene Stoves

35-50

Charcoal Stoves

20-35

Firewood Stoves

10-25

Electric Stoves

75-85

These records could be viewed in web in following addresses:

www.ikwb.com/enuff/public_html/stoves_html
www.crest.org/renewables/biomass_info/carbon.shtml

2.2

Calorific value of different types of fuels used in cooking stoves

Calorific value of supplied fuel is a prime data for calculation of efficiency of a stove.
Calorific value of fuel is taken as the input energy while determining the efficiency of
stoves. In practical aspects, due to contamination of different substances and ways of
fuel extraction, calorific values of any fuel varies from specimen to specimen.

2.2.1 Regional Wood Energy Development Programme (RWEDP) in Asia

(GCP/RAS/154/NET) has mentioned calorific values of different fuels in their
publication "Energy and Environment Basics" July 1997. (table # 4)
Table # 4
Fuel

Density (kg/nr)

LPG

560

45.5

Kerosene

806

43.1

Gasoline (Petrol)

720

44.0

N. A.

29.3

Coal

Calorific Values (MJ/kg)

2.2.2 Prof. H S Mukunda (Indian Institute of Science) mentions the calorific values
of cook stove fuels in his publication entitled "Understanding Combustion" as
below in table ~ 5. These values are quite different from values shown in table # 4.
Table # 5
Fuel

Calorific Values (MJ/kg)

Bio Gas

32 - 36

Kerosene

42

LPG

44

Producer Gas
2.2.3 According to "Energy Sector Synopsis Report" of 1992/93. published by His
Majesty's Government of Nepal Ministry of Water Resources. Water and Energy
Commission Secretariat. Perspective Energy Plan Supporting Document No. 1. the
calorific values of fuels are shown in table # 6.
Table # 6
Fuel

Kilo calories/kg or liter

Calorific Values (MJ/kg)

Biogas

5.8

24.28

LPG

11.76

49.24

Kerosene

8.66

36.26

33.49

Petrol

As the calorific values of fuel varies that directly affect the value of efficiency

regardless of same experimental and calculation procedure. For each specimen of fuel
the calorific value has to be determined by using a bomb calorimeter. This would
give accurate result in determining the efficiency of stoves under experiment.

2.3

Stove Construction

. The other major factor, which affects the efficiency of the stove, is the constructional
feature of the stove. Biogas stoves are found in market in different shapes and
constructional features. Constructional features of biogas stove which, affect the
efficiency are:

3.

a.

Burner type (holes in the burner and their orientation and burner size).

b.

Space between burner and tripod or other vessel supporting mechanism.

c.

Air control ring and vent, which ensures perfect combustion of fuel.

Methodology:
Efficiency of cook stoves could be calculated by several methods. In this study
efficiency of cook stoves was determined by calculating the heat gained by the water
subjected for heating and amount of fuel consumed during this process. In this study,
heating process is classified as Low Power Phase and High Power Phase. Heating
of water from initial water (subjected to boiling) temperature T|C to boiling point
is termed as High Power Phase(HPP). During this phase water in vessel gains energy
from fuel with the help of burning stove and that value of energy is equivalent to
energy required to raise the temperature of that mass of water from T|C to boiling
point. In Low Power Phase predetermined weight of water at boiling point was subjected
to boil for five minutes and energy gained by this water is calculated by multiplying
latent heat of vaporization (Lwboii) of water and mass of vaporized water. Fuel consumed
during each process is the input energy for these phases. Overall efficiency is calculated
by dividing output energy by input energy. In this process we have to include the
heat gained by vessel in which water was boiled. Hence.

Heat gained by vessel = Mv * Sv * (Tb - Ti) Joule

Heat gained by water in HPP= Mw * Sw * (Tb - T,) Joule
Heat gained by water in LPP = (Mstesm *Lwboil) Joule
Energy of fuel

= (Mfule * Kfuel) Joules

Where.
Mv = Mass of vessel
Sv = Specific heat capacity of vessel
(Tb T1) = Change in temperature (from Tl to boiling Point)
Mw

= Mass of water

Sw

= Specific heat capacity of water

Msteam = Mass of evaporated water during LPP

LWboil = Latent heat of boiling of water
Mfuel = Mass of consumed fuel
Kfule = Calorific Values of Fuel

Efficiency (overall) ={MW*SW* (Tb - T,) + (Msteam *Lwboil) + Mv * Sv * (Tb - T,) } /

( Mfule * Kfulel)
Efficiency (overall) = {Heat gained by water in HPP + Heat gained by water in LPP
+Heat gained by vessel} / {Quantity of fuel consumed * unit calorific
values of fuel}
Hence, heat gained by vessel (made from aluminium) is equal to heat gained from T1C to
Tboil C and heat gained by water is equal to the summation of heat gained during High
Power Phase and Low Power Phase.
Fuels like Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Kerosene could be weighted by weighing
machines. Mass of cylinder or stove before and after experiment gives the mass of fuel
consumed. But for Biogas, measurement of flow of gas is essential, which gives the
amount of biogas consumed during experiments.

Constants taken for calculation :

Specific Heat Capacity of Water = 4190 J/kg C
Specific Heat Capacity of Aluminium = 125 J/ kg C
Calorific value of Kerosene = 42 MJ/kg
Calorific value of LPG = 44 MJ/kg
Calorific value of biogas = 22 kJ/Lit
Experimental Setup:
Setup for Efficiency Measurement of Biogas Stove:

Experimental Setup for Kerosene Stove

Source: H S Mukunda, 1998, Understanding Combustion , Macmillan India Limited

4.

Results
4.1 Efficiency test of biogas stove:
Different testing conditions were maintained during experiment. Efficiency biogas stoves for each condition is depicted below.
a. Perfectly controlled condition

Gas
Gas
Water
Water
Mass of
(kg) Evaporated Consumed Consumed Vessel
in HPP
in LPP
(kg)
(kg)
(Liter)
(Liter)
1
36
0.118
22
0.49

T1
Deg
C

T2 E1out E2out Energy gained Ein1

(kJ) (kJ) by vessel (kJ) (kJ)
Deg
C

Ein2
(kJ)

Efficiency
%

484

49445

Energy gained Ein1

by vessel
(kJ)
(kJ)

Ein2
(kJ)

Efficiency

462

352

438

E2out Energy gained Ein1

(kJ) by vessel (kJ) (kJ)

Ein2
(kJ)

Efficiency
%

2554

550

32.26

32

95.5 266.1 3139

T1

T2 E1out E2out

357

792

b. Semi-controlled condition
Gas
Gas
Water
Water
Mass of
(kg) Evaporated Consumed Consumed Vessel
(kg)
in HPP
in LPP
(kg)
(Liter)
(Liter)
0.5
21
16
.072
0.48

Deg Deg
U
C
C

(kJ)

(kJ)

24.5 95.5 148.7 191.5

4.26

c. Uncontrolled condition
Water
(kg)
0.5

Gas
Mass of
Gas
Water
Evaporated Consumed Consumed Vessel
in LPP
in HPP
(kg)
(kg)
(Liter)
(Liter)
33
0.096
25
0.48

T1 T2 E1out
Deg Deg (kJ))
C C
24

965

151.9

4 35

726

Where,
Water (kg):- Mass of water at T|"C subjected to test.
Water Evaporated: - Mass of water evaporated on low Power Phase (boiling water for five minutes),
Gas HPP: - Volume of gas consumed during I high Power Phase,
Gas LPP: - Volume of gas consumed during Lowe Power Phase,
Tl: - Initial temperature of water subject to test,
T2: - Boiling temperature of water,
Elout: - Energy gained by water during High Power Phase,
E2out: - Energy gained by water during Low Power Phase,
Einl: - Energy content of fuel consumed during I high Power Phase and
Einl: - Energy content of fuel consumed during Low Power Phase

Efficiency of cook stove were measured in different conditions for different

types of stoves. For a biogas stove (single burner type manufactured by NMC
Butwal, Nepal) efficiency measurement was carried out for different state of flame,
namely: Perfectly controlled, semi- controlled and uncontrolled. Besides that
experiment was carried out for different adjustments to air control ring. Perfectly
controlled flame indicates the condition of cooking instant when flame from burner is
equal or smaller than the bottom face of the cooking vessel. At that condition no
flame could be seen on top view of vessel. For Perfectly controlled flame the efficiency
of cook stove goes maximum. When the flame from the burner could be seen partially
on top view of vessel then this condition is assumed as semi-controlled flame condition
for cooking. For this condition the overall efficiency of stove is less than the perfectly
controlled condition but cooking process gets faster. When size of flame from
burner is large enough than the bottom size of vessel, most of the flame goes
outwards and this condition is termed as uncontrolled flame condition.
4.2 Efficiency test of Kerosene stoves:
a.
Observation

1
2

Pressure Stove: Down Tank. 01mm burner. Brass Tripod, one-liter capacity
Water
Consumed Mass of
Energy
Tl T2 El out
Water
(kg) Evaporated Kerosene Vessel gained by "C C (kJ)
(kg)
(kg)
Vessel(kj)
2.02
0.1414
0.06
0.56
4.9
26.5 96.5 592.5
1.01
0.075
0.03
0.49
3.89
33 96.5 273

E2out
(kJ)

Ein
(kJ)

Efficiency
%

376.1
199.5

2520
1260

38.62
37.8

Average = 38.21%
b.

Wick fed Stove: Down Tank, one-liter capacity

Observation

Water
(kg)

1
2
3

1.515
1.01
2.02

Tl
T2 El out E2out
Energy
Water
Consumed Mass of
(kJ)
C (kJ)
Evaporated Kerosene Vessel gained by C
Vessel (kj)
(kg)
(kg)
(kg)
0.1
0.045
0.49
4.22
27.5 96.5 438
266
0.1
0.035
0.48
4.14
27.5 96.5 292
266
0.15
0.065
0.56
4.83
27.5 96.5 584
412

Ein
(kJ)

Efficiency
%

1890
1470
2730

37.24
38.2
36.6

Average = 37.37%

4.3 Efficiency test of LPG stoves:

Observation

Water
(kg)

Water onsumed
Evaporated LPG
(kg)
(kg)

1*

2.02

0.16

1.515

1.58

0.12
0.13

0.045
0.032
0.035

Energy
Tl
T2 Elout E2out
Mass of
(kJ)
"C (kJ)
Vessel gained by "C
Vessel (Id)
(kg)
25 96. 605.2 425.6
0.56
5.005
27 96.5 441.2 319.2
0.49
4.25
0.49
4.28
26.5 96. 463.4 345.8
5

Ein
(kJ)

Efficiency
%

1980
1408
1540

52.31
54.30
52.82

Average = 53.15%

5.0

Example*

In case of LPG stove with aluminium vessel containing two liter of water.
Energy Gained by water in High Power Phase = Mass of water x Specific Heat
Capacity of
Water

x Rise in Temperature
= 2.02 x 4.19 x (96.5-25) kJ = 605.2 kJ

Energy Gained by Vessel

= Mass of Vessel x Heat Capacity of Vessel x

Rise in temperature
= 0.56 x 0.125 x (96.5-25) kJ
= 5.005 kJ

Energy Gained by water in Low Power Phase = Mass of Water vaporized x Latent Heat of
Boiling of Water
= 0.16* 2660 kJ
= 425.6 kJ
Energy content of consumed fuel

= Quantity of Fuel x energy content of unit

amount of fuel
= 0.045 x 44 xl03kJ
=1980 kJ

Hence,

Overall Efficiency = [(Energy gained by water in HPP + Energy gained by

water in LPP + Energy Gained By vessel) /
Energy content of consumed fuel] x 100%
= [(605.2 + 425.6 + 5.005) / 1980] x 100%
= 52.31%

6. Conclusions
The efficiency of biogas stove calculated as per adopted methodology mentioned above is
found to be 49.44%. 43.8% and 32.26% for perfectly controlled, semi-controlled and
uncontrolled conditions. The efficiency of a given stove is not constant. It could vary on
the basis of surrounding conditions and quality of fuel used. A high value of efficiency
could be obtained under controlled conditions. But in practice this value is normally lower than
the value found in the controlled laboratory condition. The efficiency of stove depends upon
following conditions:
a.

Environmental conditions, such as wind, temperature, pressure

b.

Shape, specific heat capacity and weight of vessel.

e.

Burner size of stove and size of bottom face of cooking vessel.

d.

Energy content of fuel and quality of fuel

7.

Recommendations

a.

Further study is essential for improvements of biogas stove and other types of stoves
for different purpose of cooking and conditions.

b.

Actual efficiency measurement could be determined only when actual calorific value
of fuel is known. For this, calorific values at laboratory should be measured where
efficiency measurement of stoves is to be conducted.

c.

Efficiency of biogas stoves under operation in different locations, of Nepal should

carried out as soon as possible and after analyzing the result necessary actions
should be taken so that energy from biogas plant is used as effectively as possible.

d.

The users of biogas plants have to be informed on optimum application of

flame flaring.

8.

References

RWEDP Bangkok. (July 1997). "Energy and Environment Basics". RWEDP Report No.
29
Mathias Gustavsson ( 2000). "Biogas Technology-Solution in Search of Problem", A
Study of Small-Scale Rural Technology Introduction and Integration. Human Ecology
Reports Series 2000:1
H S Mukunda. (1998). "Understanding Combustion" , Indian Institute of Science,
Published by Macmillan India Limited
B Lai & S. Sub. (1998). "Heat and Thermodynamics". Published by
Company. India
http: //www .he.au.se
vvww.seen.org/energy
www.rterrin.0rg/renew/biogas
www. gate.gtz.de/vaxtnaring/anna/mrsminh.htm
www.panasia.ore.se/nepalnet/technology
www'.fao.ore/sd/EGdirect
www, newenerev.ore.cn
www.msek.lth.se
www.climatechaneeindia.com
www.citvfarmer.ore
www.bspnepal.com/biogas

S.Chand and

Annexes
Annex-1
//Computer program in C++ to calculate the efficiency of stoves
#include<stdio.h>
#include<stdlib.h>
#include<conio.h>
void main (void)
{
float Mv.Mvv.Mf.Sv.Svv.Tl.Tb.Lwb.Mew.Kf:
clrscr( );
// Data input
printf("\nEnter Mass of vessel in kg = ");
scanf("%f. &Mv);
printf("\nEnter Specific Heat CApaciry of Vessel in kJ/kg'degree centigrade = ");
scanf("%f". &Sv);
printf("\nEnter Initial Temperature of Water in degree centigrade = ");
scanf("o/of'. &T1):
printf( "'nEnter Boiling Point Temperature of Water degree centigrade = ");
scanf("%f. &Tb):
printf("\nEnter Mass of Water in kg= ");
scanf("%f'. &Mw);
printf("\nEnter Specific Heat Capacity of Water in kJ/kg'Degfree
centigrade = ");
scanf("%f. &Sw);
printf("\nEnter Latent Heat of Boiling for Water in kJ = "):
scanf("%f", &Lwb);
printf("\nEnter Mass of fuel in Kg or Litre = "):
scanf("%f". &Mf);
printf("\n Enter Calorific value of fuel in kJ/kg or in kJ/litre = ");
scanf("%f'. &Kf);
printf("\nEnter Mass of evaporated water in kg = ");
scanf("%f'. &Mew);
//Calculation and output
printf(" The Overall Efficiency of stove is %f %", 100.*((Mw*Sw*(TbT1 ))+(Mew* Lwb)+(Mv*Sv*(Tb-T 1 )))/(Mf* Kf));
}

//End of program

Annex-2
Software Execution
Biogas Efficiency on uncontrolled flame condition

Enter Mass of vessel in kg

= .48

Enter Specific Heat Capacity of Vessel in kJ/kg/degree centigrade

= .125

Enter Initial Temperature of Water in Degree centigrade = 24

Enter Boiling Point Temperature of Water degree centigrade = 96.5
Enter Mass of Water in kg= .5
Enter Specific Heat Capacity of Water in kJ/kg/Degfree centigrade = 4.19
Enter Latent Heat of Boiling for Water in kJ = 2660
Enter Mass of fuel in Kg or Litre

= 58

Enter Calorific value of fuel in kJ/kg or in kJ/litre

Enter Mass of evaporated water in kg = .096
The Overall Efficiency of stove is 32.256858 %

= 22