TITLE:
Experimental Investigation of Thermal Energy Storage Using Inert Materials for Enhancing the Energy Performance of Biomass Cookstoves: Influence of Cooking Pot Size
AUTHORS:
Gaël Lassina Sawadogo, Drissa Ouedraogo, Yomi Woro Gounkaou, Adama Sana, Serge Wendsida Igo
KEYWORDS:
Storage, Thermal, Energy, Overall Efficiency, Granite
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Sustainable Bioenergy Systems,
Vol.16 No.3,
August
14,
2026
ABSTRACT: This study builds upon previous work on the thermo-energy optimization of improved biomass cookstoves. It analyzes the impact of thermal storage using inert materials on the thermo-energy performance of improved biomass cookstoves operating on charcoal. The main objective is to evaluate the effect of integrating materials with high thermal inertia, particularly granite and clay, on overall energy efficiency and the reduction of heat losses. Experiments were conducted according to the Water Boiling Test (WBT) protocol using two pot sizes (number 2 and number 3). The thermo-physical properties of the adobe bricks used in the cookstove construction were also characterized to assess their heat storage capacity. The results show that the addition of inert materials significantly improves the energy stored in the bricks and clay, promoting a gradual release of heat and better thermal stability. The overall thermal efficiencies obtained with the charcoal + inert material mixture reached 31.26% ± 0.81% for pot size 2 and 32.90% ± 0.66% for pot size 3, compared to approximately 14.5% with charcoal alone. The integration of inert materials thus reduces heat loss, improves energy efficiency, and decreases fuel consumption. These results confirm the potential of integrated thermal storage in improved cookstoves as a sustainable solution for domestic cooking in sub-Saharan Africa.