Development of stove-powered thermoelectric generators: A review

Almost three billion people rely on biomass stoves for their basic domestic needs such as cooking, heating and lighting, leading to indoor air pollution (IAP) and health risks. Thermoelectric generators collect wasted heat from biomass stoves and convert it to electricity to power a fan that pushes air into the chamber, optimizing the fuel-air ratio, improving combustion efficiency and reducing harmful emissions. Additionally, this generator could also provide the user with the ability to power a light or a radio, charge a mobile phone, or meet other needs in the developing world. Although there is extensive research related to thermoelectric generators, studies of stove-based thermoelectric generators are scarce. The present review focused on studies that concern the properties of the thermoelectric module, the cooling system of the thermoelectric module, and the charging system and battery. The economic analysis of the stove-based thermoelectric generator based on the payback period is also evaluated compared to the use of a “conventional” stove, solar panels and purchased batteries. The stove-based thermoelectric generator is a promising approach for electric power generation and pollution reduction.