Key factors of thermal efficiency test protocols for household biomass cookstoves

In this paper, three typical test methods for thermal efficiency of biomass stoves were discussed. The effect factors such as operation process, test ending time, pot sizes, amount of water on the thermal efficiency of domestic biomass cookstoves were studied. The results show that the test ending time and the amount of water used have major impacts on thermal efficiency. The amount of water is in positive correlation with the thermal efficiency of the stove (R=0.92) when the heat needed for the selected amount of water is less than actual power output of stoves. The thermal efficiency is more controllable and accurate when the test ending time is 2 degrees C lower than the boiling point and the amount of water is selected according to the actual power output of stoves.