Analysis of energy poverty in Andean rural households and design of an efficient cooking solution using biomass

Abstract

This work explores energy poverty in the rural households surrounding the Chimborazo Faunal Production Reserve (RPFCH) and proposes an efficient cooking solution using firewood. Energy poverty was evaluated through the multidimensional poverty index (MEPI), including the 10% rule, hidden energy poverty, disproportionate expenses, and a subjective analysis of housing conditions. The research found ten households experiencing moderate energy poverty with a MEPI of 0,1562. An efficient cooking solution was proposed as an improved rocket stove design with an ignition system and forced air at the combustion chamber inlet. This stove utilizes a solar panel and batteries to power the fan. Its thermal efficiency is 13%, including Peltier cells to convert residual heat into DC electricity. The rocket stove's heating capacity is 1,6 kW, which is sufficient for heating a small room and cooking meals. After implementation, a follow-up energy poverty analysis using the same indicators is recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed solution and its impact on reducing energy poverty. Keywords: energy poverty; rocket stove; thermal efficiency; room heating; Peltier cell; photovoltaic energy.