Water-powered stove, anyone?
Whining over the continued increase in the prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)? A scientist at Central Philippine University (CPU) has invented a stove which is powered by water. Engr. Alexis T. Belonio, Associate Professor of CPU's College of Agriculture-Appropriate Technology Center calls his invention a super turbo.
The super turbo works by boiling water which produces steam and eventually a flame composed of hydrogen gas.
The stove consists of a specially designed hopper where rice husk is being fed for burning inside the combustion chamber, a steam tank which boils the water and converts it into super-heated steam, an air pipe which supplies the air needed for the combustion of rice husk, a char discharge lever that allows the removal of burnt rice husk during operation, and a steam burner that ignites hydrogen gas from the steam.
The stove operates by burning the rice husk inside the combustion chamber. The water inside the steam tank then boils until it becomes super-heated steam. As the steam passes through the burner, hydrogen gas is released and is ignited inside the burner. A luminous pinkish-to-yellow flame is obtained from the burner during cooking. Burnt rice husk is discharged at the bottom of the grate by slightly pushing the lever. Disposal of char is made easy by using a pan. The degree of burning of rice husk is controlled by regulating the amount of fuel being fed in the combustion chamber. The amount of steam can be regulated by adjusting the relief valve located at the side of the steam tank.
Engr. Belonio said the super turbo is environment-friendly as it releases a minimal amount of hydrocarbon during burning compared with other rice husk stoves. It is also easy to prepare and to ignite.
Belonio said, he started inventing the super turbo in December last year inspired by a steam injection he had seen in China.
“It is by the grace of God that I was able to make this breakthrough technology,” he said adding, “without the providential guidance I can't do this.”
Belonio said any individuals or organizations who wish to adopt the technology may contact him as he is sharing it with others.
“God gave us this gift so we are openly sharing it with others,” he said.
Belonio has been working with the CPU College of Agricultural Engineering since 1987. He counts some thirty inventions since he joined the college.
However, Belonio would be leaving CPU middle of this month to join a big company in Jakarta, Indonesia who took interest on his inventions.