Energy Recovering Stove

Dangallage N Jayatissa
Gampola, Ce
Sri Lanka
Views: 2991
Votes: 0
Sustainable Technologies
Jun 21, 2011

Scientists throughout the world are looking for alternate and renewable energy sources due to the
rapid decline in fossil fuel deposits. Global warming due to CO2 emmissions from burning
hydrocarbons has alarmed some industrialized nations to impose new regulations and taxes to
control CO2 production.

It is necessary to maximize the efficiency of energy use in every application untill new energy
sources are found. The description below explains the operating priciple of "Jayanada Stove" that
recovers part of the energy radiated or wasted from fireplaces. (The same principle can be used
to recover thermal energy from exhaust pipes of staionary engines and furnaces, etc.)
ThermoElectric Generators (TEGs) produce Direct Current (DC) and voltage depending on the
temperature difference between the two sides of them. These TEGs are mounted on the outer
surface of a short conical pipe made of thin stainless steel sheet or a thicker, heat conductive,
corrosion resistant material. The outer surfaces of TEGs are in contact with a water jacket. When
the unit is kept around the source of thermal energy (wood fired stove, gas cooker, electric grill
etc.) radiated heat elevates the temperature of the TEGs' hot sides while the cool sides are below
100 Deg C, due to the presence of a water jacket. TEGs are wired in series to increase output
voltage and in parallel to increase current.

Heat passing through TEGs boils water in the water jacket and produces steam. This steam is
condensed using a radiator to produce distilled water, which can be used in many applications.
This DC electrical energy can be stored in rechargeable batteries for operating fans, lights and
computer power backup systems. How ever, after the batteries are fully charged, harnessed
energy is wasted. The system becomes inefficient.

In the "Jayanada Stove" firewood or coal is burned to produce heat. Electrical energy produced
from TEGs around the stove is used to electrolyze salt water and produce Hydrogen and Oxygen.
These gasses are stored separately outside the household in constant pressure accumulators. The
Hydrogen gas is sent to the middle of the stove through a valve to produce a starter fire.
(Hydrogen can be allowed to burn continuously as a secondary fire in gas cookers those use LP
gas or natural gas as the source of fuel.) Oxygen is also sent to the bottom of the stove,
seperately, to enhance burning of fuel. The amounts of soot (unburnt carbon) and toxic gases
such as CO produced from the stove are reduced. Therefore, "Jayanada Stove" reduces
enviornmental pollution while producing thermal energy.

Even though the contribution from one unit is small, it can create a huge impact if the units are
used by a large portion of the world population. The TEGs can be produced at low cost as the
semiconductor technology is developing rapidly.

Since this idea can help to fight global warming and greenhouse effects, all those who read this
article will vote for it, I believe.

Dr. D.N. Jayatissa