“Reduction of household pollution”

Paul H. Riley

Department of Electrical And Electronic Engineering

Current cooking habits

Indian Sub continent Sub Saharan Africa ……Nepal…. the World

3 Billion people cook on open fire4 million per year die prematurely from smoke

Smoke inhalation causes many health problems. Wood burning is only one source of smoke. Kerosene for lighting also contributes.

Photo courtesy Practical Action

World Bank [2] 2011

“Research on improved cookstoves dates back to the 1950s; the ensuing decades witnessed large-scale field programs centered on increasing the efficiency of certain stove designs. Over the past 30 years, the focus of the international community has gradually shifted toward the socio-cultural contexts in which the stoves operate. While the stoves themselves may have been simple, their effects on household and regional health and economics have often been complex and far-reaching. In short, many approaches to introducing improved stoves have been tried, with some successes and many failures…”

“From 1980 until about 2002, hundreds or even thousands of artisan-produced cookstove models were developed…”

Uptake in Rural Areas

100%

201320071950

Clean cookstoves

Mobile Phones

Alone, clean cookstoves are boring. Phones are wanted .. Why?

8% outside China.[2]

Uptake conclusion

It is not the cookstove design preventing uptake We must take cognisance of the social context and

the techno-social interactions Partnerships are key.

Social context

To improve health need to remove smoke inhalation from stove and kerosene Used for lighting

How to make clean cookstoves more like mobile phones? To generate the want?

What are the : Inhibitors Motivators

Example of Inhibitors

If the still won’t fit No alcohol made Not accepted

Stove had hot spot One woman burnt hand Other 32 stoves were not used

Remove the smoke Insects have a party People get ill Stove bring the demons House eaten by termites

Conclusion: If you remove the smoke, solve the associated problems

Improved Stoves inhibitors

http://www.research.philips.com/password/download/password_28.pdf page 28

http://www.biolitestove.com/

Wood collected too big for stove

Broader based Inhibitors

At household level convince change is beneficial to the Male Female Children

Village Positive “grape vine” communication is essential Cooperative and village hierarchy have to be supportive Potential disadvantaged need addressing

Manufacturing logistics If it breaks, it will not get used.. Unless it can easily be fixed

Country (government) Balance of payments Profit flows to benefit country not foreigners Reduction of corruption

Motivators

Adding packaged solutions although adding cost can make the solution more affordable and generates the want.

Stoves that generate electricity are highly motivating for all the family

Particularly lights and mobile phone charging

Technology options

There is no doubt that a reliable smoke-free cooking stove that generates electricity, reduces fuel consumption and is affordable, will sell in the 100’s millions and give great benefit.

What technologies can meet these requirements? Mini-hydro and clean stoves Erikson cycle Stirling engine Steam engine Solar plus clean cooking stove Thermo-Acoustic (eg Score-Stove™) Thermo-Electric (Thermopile)

Affordability

Cheapest solution is not the most affordable The right packaged solution makes it more attractive.

Stop using kerosene for lighting. Typical kerosene cost = £15 to £30 pa Torches etc. mean kerosene use > zero

Use of LED lights, low maintenance Need easy-to-use way to monitor electricity

So that carbon credits can be claimed. Total Package aimed at £100, with micro finance

Thanks to

EPSRC, The Research Council in the UK. Score Partners. Practical Action. Alstom.