Multiparameter design optimisation of a mud-based natural draft biomass cookstove using response surface methodology and desirability function
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This work focuses on the design and development of an improved mud cookstove by optimizing 5 key design parameters: primary air area ratio, secondary air inlet area, L/D ratio, pot gap and grate height, and understanding their effect on the performance. Multiple field-scale prototypes were fabricated at various combinations of design parameters and tested for responses: thermal efficiency, CO and PM 2.5 emissions per MJ of energy delivered to the cooking pot. The results of the responses were then modelled using the RSM (Response Surface Methodology) technique to fit second-order quadratic models for predicting cookstove performance. Results showed that the improved mud cookstove can achieve Tier-3 performance for thermal efficiency and Tier-4 and Tier-5 performance for PM 2.5 and CO, respectively. The RSM models were then used with a desirability function for robust parameter optimization under different model weights to maximize efficiency and minimize emissions, which resulted in the range of responses for cookstove performance, i.e., η = 26.21–33.08%, CO = 1.72–2.59 g/MJ d and PM = 95–252 mg/MJ d obtained at different factor levels. Conformity trials for validating the modelled results showed < 16% average error, suggesting that fractional factorial design, RSM, and desirability functions are useful tools optimizing the performance of a biomass cookstove.
Source: Scientific Reports
Language: English
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,690
OpenAlex ID: W7118729936