[Stoves] Gas lamp efficiency

[AJH]

On Wed, 20 Sep 2006 21:41:03 -0400 (EDT), Jeff Davis wrote:

>Dear Andrew and All,
>
>
>> So even if you discount the poor conversion efficiency of a small
>> genset at say 20% conversion of thermal to electric, it does seem to
>> confirm what I thought.
>
>
>When we use a genset we should also think cogen. Our micro generator would
>not only provide light, but also space heating and cook our food.

Yes but to do cogen you make the assumption that the heat is needed, I
suspect light is a benefit throughout the year but heat may not be.
The implication was that a small stove, also possibly used for
cooking, could provide light with a TEG and displace the use of more
expensive fuels like alcohol and kerosene.

The sizing is the issue that attracts me to the idea. The ability to
have a light source emitting 1200 lumen and consuming 300W(t) of
woodgas power looks appealing, if it's possible, I don't think any
conventional genset is viable in these sizes.

Anil's work at NARI to commercialise a new, alcohol lamp with higher
output per Watt of thermal input indicates there is such a need. It
just struck me that modern mass produced electronics may be able to
contribute.

AJH