Abstract

The integration of thermoelectric generators (TEGS) into biomass stoves offers a dual solution to the challenges of energy inefficiency and limited electricity access in rural communities. This study aimed to develop and assess the performance of a biomass stove integrated with a TEG, specifically in terms of voltage output at varying temperature conditions (75°C and 150°C). The research employed an experimental design, measuring the voltage output generated under controlled conditions and analyzing the data through descriptive statistics and an independent samples t-test. Results revealed that the TEG produced an average voltage output of 21.8 mV at 50°C and 24.0 mV at 150°C, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.752), indicating consistent energy conversion performance despite temperature variations. However, the generated microvoltage output was insufficient to power a 2.5-watt bulb continuously, underscoring the need for further optimization. This study contributes to ongoing research on thermoelectric technology by demonstrating the potential and current limitations of biomass stove-TEG systems. The findings emphasize the importance of system design enhancements to improve energy output and scalability, ultimately aiming to address energy access gaps in rural and off-grid areas.

Keywords: biomass stove, thermoelectric generator, energy conversion, rural households, experimental study