Last Updated Proposal Final
Last Updated Proposal Final
1. Afewerk Znabu
2. Asmera Abera
3. Temesgen Abayneh
A final year project proposal submitted to the Faculty of Mechanical and Industrial
Engineering at Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University in the
Mechanical Engineering Program
February 2025
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Approval Page
The project proposal titled “Design, Manufacturing and Performance Investigation of
Advanced Biomass Cookstove for Efficient Energy Utilization” has been Submitted to
Bahir Dar Institute of Technology in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for Mechanical
Engineering Final Year project.
We hereby certify That this Proposal has been Reviewed and Approved for Submission by
the undersigned.
Prepared by:
Approved By:
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Table of Content
Table of Tables
Table 1: work plan ........................................................................................................................ 19
Table 2: budget plan...................................................................................................................... 19
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CHAPTER ONE
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
The concept of biomass cookstoves has evolved significantly over the years, incorporating
advanced combustion techniques to optimize fuel usage and minimize environmental
impact. We can see different generations of biomass cookstoves to get efficient usage:
Origins and Evolution of Cookstoves: Transition from open to shielded fires (three-stone
fire → U-shaped mud stove). Development of traditional biomass cookstoves before the
17th century.(Regional Wood Energy Development, 1993)
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Figure 2: U-shaped mud stove
1970s: Global focus on energy efficiency and smoke reduction due to the oil crisis.(Gill,
1987)
1980s–1990s: Shift toward research on indoor air pollution (IAP) and health effects
(respiratory diseases, carbon monoxide poisoning). Research more efficient designs,
including chimney-based cookstoves.(Hanbar & Karve, 2002)
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1.2 Statement of The Problem
The primary issue with current biomass cookstoves is their inefficient combustion process,
which leads to significant indoor air pollution. When burning biomass fuels like Charcoal
or dung, these stoves produce high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon
monoxide, posing serious health risks. Women and children, who spend the most time near
these stoves, are particularly vulnerable to these harmful emissions.
Traditional biomass stoves have high emissions due to incomplete fuel combustion,
releasing large amounts of smoke and pollutants into the air. Prolonged exposure to this
smoke is associated with respiratory illnesses, lung diseases, and an increased risk of
cardiovascular conditions, especially for pregnant women and young children.
Additionally, these stoves operate with low efficiency, converting only a small portion of
the fuel’s energy into usable heat. As a result, large amounts of biomass are needed to cook
food, increasing fuel consumption. Furthermore, the heavy reliance on biomass fuels can
contribute to deforestation if not managed sustainably, exacerbating environmental
degradation.
The basic evidence of this project's necessity is health concerns in developing countries;
for instance, we can see this in research data from researchers:
Worldwide, approximately 3 billion people cook using solid fuels (e.g., wood, coal),
producing household air pollution (HAP) that contributes to approximately 2.3– 3.8 million
getting different types of diseases, especially children less than 2 years old and pregnant
women, per year.(Abdo et al., 2021)
Household air pollution from biomass fuel burning in traditional cookstoves currently
appears as one of the most serious threats to public health, with a recent burden estimate
of 2.6 million premature deaths every year worldwide, ranking highest among
environmental risk factors and one of the major risk factors of any type globally.(Adane et
al., 2021)
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Potential Gaps
There are key areas in biomass cookstove research that require more attention to enhance
efficiency and sustainability. One major gap is the limited focus on heat transfer
mechanisms in cookstove design, which directly affects fuel combustion efficiency. While
some studies have explored heat transfer improvements, several critical factors remain
unexplored.
One such area is the impact of char combustion and molten ash particles on the post-
combustion process, which is not yet well understood. Additionally, optimizing air supply
during ignition by identifying proper air zones can significantly enhance combustion
efficiency. Another challenge is the frequent disruptions caused by wind, particularly in
outdoor cooking conditions, where further research is needed to improve cookstove
performance. Computational modeling is also an area with great potential, as numerical
techniques can help analyze and refine cookstove designs.
Addressing these research gaps will contribute to the development of more efficient,
sustainable, and environmentally friendly biomass cookstoves, ultimately improving
energy use and reducing emissions.
1.3 Objectives
The general objective of this project is to design, manufacture, and investigate the
performance of advanced biomass cookstoves for efficient energy utilization.
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1.4 Expected Outcome
1. Thermal Efficiency:
✓ 45–55% efficiency, higher than traditional charcoal stoves and firewood stoves and at least
10 - 20 % from improved ones.
✓ Better heat retention and controlled combustion for sustained cooking.
✓ More efficient fuel use compared to raw briquettes due to reduced moisture content.
3. Emission Reduction:
✓ 80–90% less smoke than firewood due to charcoal’s lower volatile content from the
traditional one and at least 5 – 10% from the improved one.
✓ CO emissions reduced by 55–65%, depending on airflow control and insulation.
✓ Minimal particulate matter (PM) emissions.
✓ The adjustable airflow allows users to control the heat for simmering, boiling, or frying.
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1.5 Beneficiaries
A. Primary Beneficiaries (Direct Users): These are individuals or groups who directly
use and benefit from biomass cookstoves in their daily lives.
✓ Environmental & Health Organizations: NGOs, policymakers, and public health groups
✓ Small-Scale Entrepreneurs & Local Manufacturers
✓ Governments & Policymakers: Supports national energy and sustainability goals.
✓ Educational & Research Institutions
o Universities and research centers improving cookstove technology.
o Innovation in clean cooking solutions for future applications.
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1.6 Significance of The Project
The scope of the project is to design, fabricate, and test an advanced biomass cookstove to
improve efficiency and reduce emissions. It includes material selection, combustion
enhancement, heat transfer analysis, and airflow improvement. A functional prototype will
be built and evaluated for thermal efficiency, fuel consumption, emissions, and durability.
However, the study does not extend to mass production, commercialization, or long-term
field testing. The goal is to develop an enhanced prototype with documented performance
data.
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CHAPTER TWO
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
This literature review aims to synthesize existing research on biomass cookstoves, focusing on
improving efficiency and emission control to investigate advanced biomass cookstoves with
improved energy efficiency and indoor air pollution.
The researcher's study investigates Improved Cook Stoves to Meet Sustainable Development
Goals in Ethiopia. It evaluates four Improved Cookstoves (ICSs)—EZY, Tikikkle, Lakech, and
Mirchaye against a Traditional Cookstove (TCS) using a Water Boiling Test (WBT) to assess fuel
consumption, cooking time, and emissions. Results show that the EZY stove outperforms others
with 56% fuel savings, 25% thermal efficiency, and the lowest CO₂ emissions (1.9 kg per cooking
period), while Tikikkle and Lakech stoves show moderate improvements but longer cooking times.
Despite ICS advantages, adoption remains low due to cost, lack of awareness, and user preference
for traditional cooking speed. Challenges such as poor manufacturing quality, low efficiency of
existing ICSs, and policy gaps hinder clean cooking transitions. The study recommends advancing
ICS technology to at least 40% efficiency, improving stove stability, increasing financial
incentives, and enhancing government support for R&D and awareness programs. If implemented
effectively, these solutions can help Ethiopia achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 (clean
energy) and reduce the environmental and health impacts of biomass cooking.(Tesfay et al., 2024)
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progress, gaps in knowledge persist, requiring innovative solutions to make biomass cooking more
sustainable, efficient, and accessible in developing regions. (Kumar et al., 2013)
The research study presents a user-centered, iterative engineering approach to designing and
developing advanced biomass cookstoves to address energy efficiency and indoor air pollution.
Traditional biomass cookstoves contribute to severe health risks and environmental pollution,
leading to the need for improved alternatives. The research focuses on semi-gasifier stoves, which
offer higher combustion efficiency and lower emissions. Through multiple design iterations, five
prototypes were developed and evaluated based on thermal efficiency, emissions reduction, and
user adaptability. Field testing in rural Chinese homes showed that the final prototype achieved
ISO Tier 3 efficiency and ISO Tier 4 pollutant emissions, demonstrating significant improvements
over traditional stoves. However, challenges in adoption, such as user preferences, maintenance
issues, and compatibility with local cooking practices, were identified. The study highlights the
importance of integrating technical performance with user needs, advocating for continued
innovation in biomass stove technology to ensure long-term acceptance and impact on public
health and the environment. (Shan et al.., 2017)
The researcher study "Improved Biomass Cookstoves for Sustainable Development" explores the
role of biomass cookstoves in providing clean and efficient cooking solutions, particularly in
developing countries where traditional biomass fuels like wood, crop residues, and dung cakes are
widely used. It discusses the environmental and health impacts of traditional cooking methods,
such as high emissions of greenhouse gases and indoor air pollution, which contribute to
respiratory diseases and deforestation. The paper reviews different types of improved cookstoves
(ICS), their classifications, testing protocols, and global adaptation efforts. It highlights the
potential of ICS in mitigating CO₂ emissions, enhancing thermal efficiency, and addressing socio-
economic barriers to widespread adoption. Additionally, the review presents recent advancements
in stove technology, economic assessments, and policy measures needed to promote clean cooking
solutions for sustainable development.(Mehetre et al., 2017)
The research study "Recent Developments and Challenges in Biomass Cookstoves" provides a
comprehensive review of advancements in biomass cookstove technology, focusing on efficiency
improvements, emission reductions, and design challenges. It explores various types of biomass
cookstoves, including traditional, improved, and advanced models, and highlights innovations
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such as ceramic combustion chambers, swirl vanes, and hybrid air injection systems that enhance
fuel efficiency and minimize pollution. The study examines the socio-economic and environmental
impact of biomass cookstoves, emphasizing their role in reducing indoor air pollution and
mitigating climate change. It also discusses the limitations of current designs, including issues
related to fuel variability, maintenance, and real-world performance variations. Additionally, the
journal identifies key areas for future research, particularly in computational modeling, material
advancements, and the development of standardized testing protocols to enhance cookstove
adoption in developing regions. Despite significant progress, challenges such as inconsistent
performance in real-world conditions, difficulties in stove repair, and high production costs remain
barriers to widespread adoption. The review underscores the need for continued innovation to
create more sustainable and user-friendly biomass cookstove solutions.(Hayyat et al., 2024)
Easy and clear title, study focus, and research gaps of literature view.
Tesfay, A., Kahsay, Improved Cook Evaluates four ICSs vs. Low adoption due to
M. B., & Geleta, A. Stoves for SDGs Traditional Cookstove cost, awareness, and
B. (2024). in Ethiopia (TCS) using WBT. policy gaps. Need for
Assesses fuel improved efficiency
consumption, cooking and support.
time, and emissions.
Shan, M., Carter, E., User-Centered Develops and tests five Challenges in user
Baumgartner, J., Semi-Gasifier cookstove prototypes, adoption, maintenance,
Deng, M., Clark, S., Biomass achieving high and compatibility with
Schauer, J. J., Ezzati, Cookstoves cooking practices.
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M., Li, J., Fu, Y., & efficiency and low
Yang, X. (2017). emissions.
From the identified research gaps, key improvements have been emphasized in the biomass
cookstove design, focusing on efficiency, affordability, and adaptability. To enhance combustion
efficiency, better insulation and optimized airflow are incorporated using a small fan and an
adjustable base. For cost-effectiveness, locally available, durable materials are used while
maintaining high performance. The stove is designed for easy maintenance and compatibility with
local cooking habits, encouraging adoption. Additionally, it supports multiple fuel types and
undergoes real-world testing to improve reliability. These solutions effectively address critical
research gaps, making the design efficient, user-friendly, and sustainable.
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CHAPTER THREE
3. METHODOLOGY
3.1 Materials
✓ Stainless steel
✓ Fiberglass
✓ Paint materials
✓ Aluminum
A. Stainless steel:
✓ Corrosion Resistance
✓ High Temperature Resistance
✓ High Thermal Conductivity
✓ Oxidation Resistance
✓ Mechanical Strength and Durability
✓ Ease of Cleaning & Hygiene
✓ Lightweight Compared to Cast Iron
✓ Recyclability & Sustainability
✓ Enhanced Durability
✓ Improved Heat Transfer Efficiency
✓ Reduction in Emissions
✓ Low Maintenance Costs
✓ User Safety
✓ Support for Modern Designs
✓ Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
B. Fiberglass
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✓ High Thermal Insulation
✓ Lightweight
✓ High Heat Resistance
✓ Corrosion and Chemical Resistance
✓ Non-Combustible
✓ Durability and Strength
✓ Electrical Insulation
c. Aluminum
✓ Low density
✓ High thermal conductivity
✓ Good electrical conductivity
✓ Malleability
✓ Ductility
✓ Corrosion resistance
✓ Reflective surface
✓ Non-magnetic
✓ Relatively low melting point
3.3 Machines
This involves recognizing the need for an improved biomass cookstove by assessing issues related
to energy efficiency, emissions, and user safety. Factors such as environmental impact, fuel
consumption, and cooking habits are analyzed to define the challenges faced by traditional
cookstoves.
The next step is to clearly define it by gathering relevant data. This includes studying existing
biomass cookstove technologies, reviewing user needs, analyzing fuel sources, and considering
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regulatory and environmental guidelines. Literature reviews, field surveys, and expert
consultations help in formulating design objectives.
Choosing appropriate materials is crucial for durability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Metals
with high thermal conductivity, ceramic insulations, and corrosion-resistant alloys are commonly
evaluated. Design analysis includes thermal simulations, structural integrity assessments, and
consideration of manufacturing feasibility.
5. Manufacturing Prototype
6. Experimental Testing
This structured approach ensures a systematic design, simulation, manufacturing, and testing
process for an advanced biomass cookstove.
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CHAPTER FOUR
4. WORK PLAN
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- Collect preliminary data.
- Analyze initial results.
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Week May 19 Final Presentation Preparation
13 - May - Prepare slides and materials.
23 - Rehearse the presentation.
- Finalize the thesis document.
5. BUDGET PLAN
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Reference
Abdo, M., Kanyomse, E., Alirigia, R., Coffey, E. R., Piedrahita, R., Diaz-Sanchez, D., Hagar, Y.,
Naumenko, D. J., Wiedinmyer, C., Hannigan, M. P., Oduro, A. R., & Dickinson, K. L. (2021).
Health impacts of a randomized biomass cookstove intervention in northern Ghana. BMC
Public Health, 21(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-12164-y
Adane, M. M., Alene, G. D., & Mereta, S. T. (2021). Biomass-fuelled improved cookstove
intervention to prevent household air pollution in Northwest Ethiopia: a cluster randomized
controlled trial. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 26(1), 1–15.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12199-020-00923-z
Anhalt, J., & Holanda, S. (2009). Implementation of a Dissemination Strategy for Efficient Cook
Stoves in Northeast Brazil. 10604030, 29. https://www.reeep.org/projects/implementation-
dissemination-strategy-efficient-cook-stoves-northeast-brazil
Gill, J. (1987). Improved stoves in developing countries. A critique. Energy Policy, 15(2), 135–
144. https://doi.org/10.1016/0301-4215(87)90121-2
Hanbar, R. D., & Karve, P. (2002). National Programme on Improved Chulha (NPIC) of the
Government of India: An overview. Energy for Sustainable Development, 6(2), 49–55.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0973-0826(08)60313-0
Hayyat, U., Usman, M., Farooq, M., Sultan, M., Ahsan, M., Liu, G., Chunyu, X., & Riaz, F. (2024).
Recent developments and challenges in biomass cookstoves. Energy Reports, 12(August),
2193–2208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2024.08.016
Kumar, M., Kumar, S., & Tyagi, S. K. (2013). Design, development and technological
advancement in the biomass cookstoves : A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy
Reviews, 26, 265–285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2013.05.010
Mehetre, S. A., Panwar, N. L., Sharma, D., & Kumar, H. (2017). Improved biomass cookstoves
for sustainable development: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews,
73(February), 672–687. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.01.150
Regional Wood Energy Development. (1993). Improved Solid Biomass Burning Cookstoves: a
Development Manual. 44, 125. http://www.rwedp.org
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Shan, M., Carter, E., Baumgartner, J., Deng, M., Clark, S., Schauer, J. J., Ezzati, M., Li, J., Fu, Y.,
& Yang, X. (2017). A user-centered, iterative engineering approach for advanced biomass
cookstove design and development. Environmental Research Letters, 12(9).
https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/aa804f
Tesfay, A., Kahsay, M. B., & Geleta, A. B. (2024). Improved Cook Stoves to Meet Sustainable
Development Goal in Ethiopia. Energies, 17(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/en17051011
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Project proposal evaluation
BAHIR DAR INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
FACULTY OF MECHANICAL AND INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
BSC DEGREE: PROPOSAL EVALUATION FORM
Name of the Candidate:
Project Title:
Design, Manufacturing, and performance investigation of advanced biomass
cookstoves for efficient energy utilization
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