Nicaragua: Bamboo Testing Efficiency of Wood Burning Stoves

Author(s)

• Joseph Paulsen, University of Dayton
• Chris Helm, University of Dayton

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

8-1-2006

Abstract

Chris Helm and Joseph Paulsen traveled to Managua, Nicaragua from May 12, 2006 to July 7, 2006 to volunteer in a research capacity for Proleña Ecofogón, an ecologically conscious wood burning stove manufacturer. The focus was to determine efficiencies of bamboo testing with a traditional model stove, construct and test several brick stoves with smaller capacities, and investigate wood burning deep fryers. A new firebox was designed that greatly improved the use of space efficiently while maintaining a rigid geometry. In addition, several field studies were completed to determine a quantitative efficiency in operation and a qualitative aesthetic and safety perspective of the stoves. Bamboo achieved an efficiency of 17.21%, was very difficult to burn and produced a large volume of ash. The second brick stove with the new boca or mouth achieved an efficiency of 18.02%. The deep fryer achieved an efficiency of 24.55% efficiency when tested at the beginning with water. The final design and modifications allowed for a 28.84% efficiency when tested with oil and plantains thinly sliced with a mandolin. In the field tests of the mega model stove with the tortilla makers, 0.37kg wood was used to cook 1 kg masa or dough. With a traditional open fire, 0.63kg wood was used to cook 1 kg of masa. The observational difference was astounding. The smoke filled the entire room in the open fire testing and it created a difficult work area. The chimney stoves allowed for a much safer work environment.

eCommons Citation

Paulsen, Joseph and Helm, Chris, "Nicaragua: Bamboo Testing Efficiency of Wood Burning Stoves" (2006). ETHOS Technical Reports. 5.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/ethos_reports/5