Grantee Research Project Results

Final Report: Developing/Manufacturing/Selling an Affordable Clean Burning Biomass Heating/Cooking/Lighting Integrated Stove

EPA Contract Number: EPD18009
Title: Developing/Manufacturing/Selling an Affordable Clean Burning Biomass Heating/Cooking/Lighting Integrated Stove
Investigators: Still, Dean K
Small Business: ASAT, INC.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: II
Project Period: February 1, 2018 through January 31, 2021
Project Amount: $299,999
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase II (2017) Recipients Lists
Research Category: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , SBIR - Integrated Cookstove-Heating-Electricity Generation for Small Homes

Description:

Currently available biomass-fueled heating/cooking stoves do not efficiently cook food or heat houses while consuming too much fuel and emitting pollution, resulting in respiratory illnesses and premature death. ASAT specializes in the development and manufacturing of clean burning biomass stoves. In SBIR Phase I, ASAT developed a low emission, fuel efficient Integrated Heating/Cooking Prototype Stove for market testing in China and in the USA. In SBIR Phase II, an air-cooled 20W thermoelectric generator (TEG), a Jet-Flame unit that dramatically increases combustion efficiency, and an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) that reduces particulate emissions were developed. The addition of the thermoelectric generator, the electrostatic precipitator, and the Jet-Flame completes a biomass-fueled Integrated Stove that delivers very clean burning, heating, cooking, lighting, and charging of cell phones.

ASAT concluded work on the development of an air-cooled thermoelectric generator and delivered design specifications to the manufacturer who is in the process of starting production as an optional accessory for the Integrated Stove. ASAT completed a literature review and testing of post combustion techniques to reduce fine particulate emissions resulting in the decision to design and manufacture an electrostatic precipitator as an optional accessory for the Integrated Stove and as a possible stand-alone product to assist in delivering cleaner emissions. The Department of Energy released an RFP asking for this type of technology, January, 2020.

The $11 Jet-Flame was developed and manufactured. A small fan blows powerful jets of air from underneath the fire, into the charcoal and through the flames increasing heat and mixing in the combustion zone. The technology was optimized in lab and field tests resulting in a cast iron and stainless steel product that has reduced fine particulate emissions by 90% in lab tests.

Market data from China, Mongolia, India, Africa, and Central America established that a $300 TEG accessory would find a small market share in these countries. Both Southern and Northern Chinese homeowners have reliable electricity and did not value the addition of the TEG. However, the response in the USA was very positive and the manufacturer is in process of producing the Integrated Stove with TEG for USA sales. The 30W electrostatic precipitator powered by the TEG enables operation during power outages and off-grid operation.

Modification and manufacturing of the Integrated Stove at Shengzhou Stove Manufacturer (SSM) was completed. The Integrated Stove and the Jet-Flame are being sold. Engineering drawings with all specifications for the TEG and ESP have been delivered and approved.

After investigating the viability of the various innovations intended to improve the Integrated Stove, ASAT decided to market the Jet-Flame as a stand-alone product that fits into the combustion chamber of many Rocket stoves (and open fires and mud stoves). Samples, sent by the Bill and Melinda Gates funded Global Health Laboratories, are being field tested in more than 30 countries by potential buyers.

Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):

A thorough literature review and test series conducted using a laboratory emissions hood system revealed that the best commercially available catalytic converters decreased fine particulate matter by an average of 40%. The catalytic converters also reduced draft substantially. While able to cut CO effectively, the ASAT team realized that other post combustion techniques (filtration and electrostatic precipitation) needed to be investigated and evaluated. An air-cooled thermoelectric generator and an electrostatic precipitator were developed.

ASAT invented the new Jet-Flame that blows hot forceful jets of air up into the fire and effectively increases combustion and heat transfer efficiencies. A version is being made for the Integrated Stove and will be included in the stove package.

Two different Integrated Stoves were manufactured after extensive studies showed that cooks, especially in China, need a large wok and flat griddle to meet cooking requirements. The original Integrated Stove with 20 Liter stainless steel pot is appreciated in African markets where large quantities of cornmeal porridge are prepared daily and a firmly held pot is needed.

The TEG work has been completed and the engineering drawings are at the SSM factory. The resulting air-cooled 20W generator is an innovation that does not need water cooling (unavailable in most houses). Unfortunately, the least expensive TEG accessory for the Integrated Stove is over $300USD retail even with a lower power output of 10W. The TEG will be available as an option.

Conclusions:

There are many commercial applications of the SBIR research and development project. Our company is successfully selling the Integrated Stove and the Jet-Flame. The Jet-Flame has attracted support from the Gates funded Global Health Laboratories. The air-cooled TEG (a new invention) and the ESP join the Jet-Flame with the potential to revolutionize the biomass heating stove markets. Biomass may then be used safely and sustainably as an alternative, homegrown energy source.

SBIR Phase I:

Developing/Manufacturing/Selling an Affordable Clean Burning Biomass Heating/Cooking/Lighting Integrated Stove  | Final Report