Design, Construction, and Performance Evaluation of an Efficient Ethanol Stove for Domestic Cooking Application

• Tina I. FRANCIS-AKILAKI

  Author

• Raymond A. EKEMUBE

  Author

The demand for sustainable and cleaner household energy alternatives has increased due to growing global concerns about indoor air pollution, deforestation, and dependence on fossil-based cooking fuels. Ethanol, a renewable and clean-burning biofuel, has gained considerable attention for domestic cooking applications, particularly in developing regions where traditional biomass fuels remain dominant. This study presents the design, construction, and performance evaluation of an improved ethanol stove intended to provide a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly cooking solution. A comprehensive design analysis was conducted, including material selection, structural stability, flame control mechanisms, thermal considerations, and stress analysis of the cooktop. The fabrication process involved cutting, drilling, welding, surface finishing, and assembly using locally available materials. Performance evaluation was carried out through boiling and cooking tests to determine heat output, fuel consumption, and operational efficiency. The results demonstrated that the developed ethanol stove achieved efficient combustion with low carbon monoxide emissions, reduced cooking time, and stable flame control. The stove exhibited good structural integrity, effective flame regulation through a choke mechanism, ease of ignition and extinguishing, and safe handling during operation. Boiling tests showed that 1 L of water reached boiling point within approximately 460 seconds, while cooking tests indicated that 500 g of rice could be prepared within 24 minutes using 0.2 L of ethanol fuel. The findings confirm that ethanol stoves can significantly reduce indoor air pollution, fuel costs, and environmental degradation associated with traditional cooking methods. The study recommends further optimization of airflow design, incorporation of ceramic wick materials, and exploration of lightweight structural components to improve performance and durability. This study contributes to ongoing efforts toward sustainable energy utilization and clean cooking technologies, supporting global goals related to public health, climate mitigation, and environmental sustainability.

• FJET_21_23_23

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