Feasibility Study on Assessment of the Effects on Consumers and the Environment of a Multi-Fueled Solid Biomass Cookstove that Runs Continuously

Sheriff Kamara
Dr Michael Abu Conteh, Ing Sahr Tamba Nyalloma, Ing Unisa Fornah, Ing Peter Ibrahim Vandy and Ing Nafisatu Ramatulai Sankoh
Department of Mechanical and Maintenance Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, University of Sierra Leone.

*Corresponding author’s Email: sheriffkamara338@gmail.com, doi.org/10.55639/607.02010092


ABSTRACT

In developed countries, cooking technologies rely on fuels such as electricity, geothermal energy, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), whereas in developing regions, particularly rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, solid biomass fuels are still predominantly used. These traditional cookstoves are inefficient and emit pollutants that are harmful to both health and the environment. Although several studies have improved stove efficiency through design modifications, limited attention has been given to scientific and technical approaches that enhance the efficient use of different biomass fuels, as well as improvements in combustion chamber design, ignition time, and cooking duration. This study investigates the factors required for designing and fabricating an efficient biomass cookstove and examines its implications for users and the environment. A feasibility study was conducted to obtain input from stakeholders, including investors and potential users. Seven research hypotheses guided the collection of quantitative primary data through 1,128 structured questionnaires using Likert-scale responses. Data were analysed using SPSS (version 27) and AMOS (version 24). The findings indicate that stakeholder involvement is essential for identifying factors related to environmental sustainability, health improvement, and user acceptance. The results also show that improved stove designs should focus on faster ignition, reduced cooking time, and lower fuel consumption. Furthermore, the design and fabrication of improved biomass cookstoves demonstrate potential to attract investment. The study concludes that feasibility study outcomes can be applied to strengthen design processes and support the development of more efficient biomass cookstoves.

Keywords:
Feasibility Study,
Ignition,
Fuel efficiency,
Cooking time,
Investment
opportunity.

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