Analysis of Leaf Litter as Potential Renewable Energy Source for Cooking

Abstract

This work explored the potential of leaf litter as biofuel for eco-stoves in the form of shredded and pelleted fuels. Kerai Payung leaves (Filicium decipiens) was used as the fuel. The pelleted fuel was formed by mixing shredded leaves, starch, and water. An eco-cookstove that has an approximately 660 cm3 volume capacity chamber for solid fuels was used in this work. The stove has a fan attached that supplies an updraft forced vortex flow. The heat release rates of the fuels were measured by using standard cone calorimetry (ISO 5660). It was found that the fuel shape and internal transport processes in fuel beds had a strong influence on the combustion characteristics and the energy released. Peak heat release rates for shredded leaves were lower than the pelleted fuels with a shorter burning period. The results show that leaf litter has the potential as a reliable energy source.