Technical Evaluation of Utilization of Sheep Dung Pellet for Household Cooking Energy Supply in Iranian Nomadic Life

Fuel supply for cooking among Iranian nomads have always been problematic job. The use of wood as a source of energy is very common in nomads. Traditional method of firing releases a huge amount of smoke, which may lead to respiratory problems in women. Moreover, collection of wood corresponds to destroy of natural resources. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of using ship dung (as the most available biomass in nomadic life), as a cleaner cooking fuel in an improved biogas stove. In this research a micro gasifier biomass cook stove as an improved biomass cook stove was evaluated based on Emission & Performance Test Protocol. Sheep dung pellets of 38 mm length and 13.6 mm diameter was used as biofuel. In addition to measurement of descriptive characteristics, the heating value of fuel was estimated based on elemental analyzing results and the models presented in previous researches. Emission of Carbon monoxide was monitored throughout the test. No smoke was observed during the stove operation. The thermal power of the stove was measured to be 3.4 kW. With the efficiency of 28 percent, 3 L of water got to boiling point in 16 min consuming 440 g of pellet. The average amount of emitted CO was recorded to be acceptable range. The results of micro gasifier biomass cook stove evaluation with sheep dung pellet as fuel showed that, this devise has a good technical and emission performance with this fuel and it can be used for nomad’s household. Further on field research is needed to adjust the stove size and design to the common life style of nomads.