Browsing by Author "Butuma, Elisaphani"

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    ANALYSIS AND TESTING OF AN IMPROVED CHARCOAL STOVE WITH HIGH THERMAL EFFICIENCY
    (Busitema University, 2026-06-06) Butuma, Elisaphani
    In this study, an improved charcoal stove with high thermal efficiency was designed and tested as a cooking system that utilizes charcoal as its primary fuel while minimizing heat loss and fuel consumption. The system focuses on improving energy utilization rather than eliminating fuel use, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional charcoal stoves. The constructed improved charcoal stove comprised of a combustion chamber, insulation layer, air inlet vents, pot support, outer casing, and other locally sourced materials. The stove was designed to enhance heat retention, regulate airflow, and improve combustion efficiency.An experimental setup was developed where two charcoal stove models were tested simultaneously using equal quantities of charcoal and water. Temperature measurements were taken at regular time intervals using thermometers inserted into the cooking pots to monitor heat transfer performance. The results obtained were recorded and analyzed to evaluate the efficiency of each stove.The improved charcoal stove demonstrated better performance by achieving a higher temperature of 60°C compared to 47°C from the other stove within 30 minutes of operation. This indicates improved heat transfer, reduced heat loss, and better fuel utilization. The efficiency improvement is attributed to enhanced insulation and controlled airflow, which ensure more effective combustion of charcoal.The study concludes that improved charcoal stoves can significantly reduce fuel consumption while increasing cooking efficiency. This technology is suitable for household use, particularly in areas where access to modern energy sources is limited. It provides a practical solution for reducing energy costs, minimizing environmental impact, and improving cooking performance among households and small-scale users.