A generalized heat-transfer model for shielded-fire household cookstoves

This paper presents an experimentally validated steady-state heat transfer model of a shielded-fire, natural-draft biomass cookstove suitable for conceptual design of the small household cookstoves used in developing countries. The input variables for the model included 10 geometrical design variables, 2 material design variables, and 3 operating conditions. This model was validated using data from three previously published studies including 63 distinct combinations of the 15 design variables. The model results for thermal efficiency are within ± 5% for 59 of the 63 designs and have an L2 norm error of 3.0%. Parametric variations of design variables can assist in the conceptual phase of design. In addition, the temperature and velocity profiles, location and magnitude of losses, and heat transfer contributions through various modes and regions of the pot provide sufficient detail to improve the understanding of a cookstove system and support detailed design.