DOI: 10.36347/sjet

Pages: 113-122

Energy is a key input for technological, industrial, social and economical development of a nation. However, a large number of consumers in domestic, agricultural, commercial and industrial sectors are faced with a situation of energy availability that is characterized by inadequate quantity, poor quality, un-affordability, un-sustainability and negative environmental consequences. The challenge for the country is ensuring affordable-clean energy for all in a sustainable manner. In particular, the domestic sector relies heavily on traditional sources of energy, mainly for cooking, for which traditional stoves are often used. These stoves are usually thermally as well as environmentally inefficient and hence create drudgery and problems for the users. A wide variety of Chulha or biomass stoves are used in Indian kitchens and road side tea stalls and restaurants. These stoves emit smoke, ash and excessive heat creating uncomfortable and unhealthy environment for the user. Combustion rate is not well controlled. The efficiency of these stoves is quite less, generally not exceeding 18-22 %.