Abstract
This project aims to design and construct a modern, energy-efficient jiko (stove) that can simultaneously cook food, heat water, utilize water gas as a fuel source, convert carbon monoxide (CO) to carbon dioxide (CO₂), and includes a roasting chamber. The jiko leverages water gas combustion to increase heat output while minimizing carbon emissions, and a catalytic system is integrated to convert CO into less harmful CO₂. The innovative features of this design promote environmental sustainability and reduce indoor air pollution. This project demonstrates the viability of a multi-functional cooking system that is both eco-friendly and highly efficient.
Key Features and Working Mechanisms
1. Water Gas Fuel System
- Description: The jiko uses a water-gas system for fuel, which generates a mixture of hydrogen (H₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) through a reaction between water vapor (steam) and a carbon source (e.g., charcoal).
- Mechanism: The water gas is ignited, producing high heat with fewer emissions than traditional wood or charcoal-based stoves.
2. Water Heating System
- Design: A copper or stainless-steel coil surrounds the main combustion chamber, allowing water to circulate and absorb heat as it rises from the cooking fire.
- Functionality: The heated water is directed to an insulated storage tank, providing hot water on demand.
3. CO to CO₂ Conversion System
- Catalytic Converter: A small catalytic chamber within the exhaust pathway contains a mesh coated with a catalyst (such as platinum or palladium), which facilitates the conversion of CO to CO₂.
- Air Injection: The addition of small air vents provides oxygen, ensuring complete combustion and reducing harmful emissions.
4. Roasting Chamber
- Placement: Positioned above or adjacent to the combustion chamber, the roasting chamber utilizes residual heat.
- Temperature Control: Adjustable vents regulate the heat flow, allowing for optimal roasting temperatures.
Materials
- Stainless Steel or High-Temperature Metal: For the main body of the jiko to ensure durability.
- Firebrick or Ceramic Insulation: Surrounds the combustion chamber for heat retention.
- Copper or Stainless Steel Tubing: For the water heating coil, chosen for heat conduction and corrosion resistance.
- Catalyst-Coated Mesh (Platinum or Palladium): For the catalytic converter, which facilitates CO to CO₂ conversion.
- Adjustable Vents: For regulating heat in the roasting chamber.
- Thermometer: For monitoring temperatures in both the roasting chamber and water heating system.
Procedure
- Construct the Body:
- Assemble the jiko frame using stainless steel or other high-temperature-resistant metal, ensuring a stable and insulated combustion chamber with firebricks.
- Install Water Heating System:
- Wrap a copper or stainless-steel coil around the combustion chamber, with tubing extending to an insulated storage tank for hot water.
- Ensure secure connections for water inflow and outflow, allowing circulation as it heats.
- Build the CO to CO₂ Conversion Chamber:
- Position a small catalytic chamber along the exhaust pathway.
- Place a catalyst-coated mesh inside and add small vents to introduce additional oxygen, promoting complete combustion.
- Add Roasting Chamber:
- Place the roasting chamber either above or next to the main combustion area.
- Include vents for temperature control and a thermometer for monitoring.
- Test and Monitor Performance:
- Ignite the water-gas fuel and adjust the vents to regulate the cooking, water heating, and roasting temperatures.
- Observe the catalytic converter in action to ensure CO is effectively being converted to CO₂.
Results
The newly constructed jiko successfully performed the following:
- Simultaneous Cooking and Water Heating: The water coil system effectively heated water while cooking was underway.
- CO to CO₂ Conversion: The catalytic converter minimized CO emissions by converting it to CO₂, contributing to cleaner air around the cooking area.
- Effective Roasting Chamber: The roasting chamber maintained a consistent temperature, allowing for roasting of various foods without compromising the main cooking area.
Leave a Reply