Analysis of Combustion Efficiency of Coconut Shell (Cocos nucifera) in an Improved Stove in Comparison with Neem Wood (Azadirachta indica)
I. Yerima *
Department of Biology, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
M. A. Umar
Department of Botany, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
A. B. Suleiman
Department of Zoology, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The demand for fossil fuel in the world market is increasing by the day and high cost of it. The problem of environmental degradation as a result of emission of dangerous gasses that has adverse effect on the ozone layer and the need to make good use of our large biomass resources which are thrown away, is becoming too much. Biomass, mainly coconut shell, about 90% of coconut, empty fruit bunches, fibers, fronds, trunks, shell was discarded as waste and either burned in the open air or left to settle in waste ponds. Based on economic as well as environmental related issues, efforts were made in this research towards utilization of the biomass. This study compares the efficiency of coconut shell biomass and fuel wood (neem wood) using an improved metal stove. The findings reveal that coconut shell have less ash, less charcoal, uses less fuel but fuel wood uses less time.
Keywords: Coconut shell, improved stove, water, charcoal, ash, biomass