Bolivia: Combustion Efficiency of Industrial Biomass Stove

Author(s)

• Kimberly A. Gorsek, University of Dayton
• Alexander A. Ramsey, University of Dayton

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

8-27-2008

Abstract

An independent company ProLeña located in the capital city of Bolivia, La Paz, offered two University of Dayton students the opportunity to work and travel. Two independent projects were researched and developed by the chemical engineering students, Kimberly Gorsek and Alexander Ramsey. Gorsek analyzed the combustion efficiency of an industrial biomass stove. The results from subsequent testing concluded that the application of controlled excess air in the combustion chamber of the stove would lower the amount of fuel required and reduce emitted carbon monoxide concentrations. Ramsey’s project was to develop and design a prototype drying kiln for wood. Ramsey's initial project was to design and build a prototype drying kiln for wood. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, only the design was completed. Large amounts of research, especially of materials, were conducted. Most of the information obtained was provided by the company in a document entitled the Dry Kiln Operator’s Manual. A VBA macro based on heat transfer principles and a spreadsheet for sizing equipment was also written.

eCommons Citation

Gorsek, Kimberly A. and Ramsey, Alexander A., "Bolivia: Combustion Efficiency of Industrial Biomass Stove" (2008). ETHOS Technical Reports. 15.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/ethos_reports/15