[Stoves] Charcoal and Stoves

[Tom Miles]

It was an eventful gathering at the ETHOS meeting in Kirkland, Washington,
USA, this weekend. Many thanks to Elisa Derby, Nordica MaCarty, the ETHOS
board and volunteers for our 20th year celebration.

It was apparent to me from the advanced modelling, lab performance data,
field tests and field experiences which were reported that charcoal is an
important component of household energy and food security. Within the stove
charcoal combustion contributes high peak temperatures which can improve
performance and reduce emissions. This is demonstrated in the addition of
the "Jet-Flame" to a Rocket Stove, which I view as a charcoal burner. By
introducing a little pressurized air at the grate you can "low on the
coals". The addition of uniformly distributed undergrate air, with even a
little pressure, is enough to improve char combustion and shorten the
flame, which should indicate increased carbon monoxide burnout. Aprovecho
showcased the Jet-Flame at ETHOS. Their testing showed nearly complete
charcoal burnout.
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201911/08/WS5dc507d8a310cf3e355763b2_2.html

Others from Lifeline said there were circumstances where the charcoal is
very important for other uses in the household and that burning out
charcoal would not be desired. Someone with a better memory can remind me
of what those uses were,

Biochar advocates want to make charcoal for use in the soil while cooking,
which is usually accomplished by removing charcoal faster than you are
consume it.

In cases where we want to leave residual charcoal or remove it to make
biochar we need to balance the performance benefits of burning the charcoal
with the household needs or food security  - biochar - benefits. We have
new tools but we need to find out how best to use them.

Tom

-- 
T R Miles Technical Consultants, Inc
Portland, OR 97225
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