Comparative evaluation of emissions from selected paraffin lamps and a paraffin thermoelectric generator

David K. Kimemia, Tafadzwa Makonese, Harold J. Annegarn

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Paraffin lamps are commonly used as light sources in low-income, off-grid households. Pollutant emissions from these appliances are a potential health hazard and a cause of material soiling by soot deposits. This paper reports on evaluation of emissions of two off-the-shelf paraffin lamps (a standard lantern and a glass lamp)-considered as baseline reference devices-and a prototype paraffin-fuelled thermo-electric generator. The thermoelectric generator is designed to provide a higher intensity and quality of light output than conventional paraffin lamps. This is achieved through LED lamps. In addition, it also has a plug point to charge mobile phones. These devices were fuelled with commercially sourced illuminating paraffin, and tested according to the SeTAR Centre heterogeneous test protocols (HTP). Results show that the thermoelectric generator has 83% reduction in PM2.5 (black carbon) emissions per hour of burn (mg/h) compared to the two reference lamps. The CO emissions and CO/CO2 ratio for the three devices did not show significant differences at the 95% confidence level. The thermoelectric generator has a similar fuel consumption rate to the paraffin glass lamp, while the standard paraffin lantern has a higher burn rate. The thermoelectric generator exhibits lower risks of fires and contact burns since there is no exposed flame. The paraffin thermoelectric generator with LED lamps would therefore be a serious contender as a substitute for polluting paraffin lamps, providing a higher quality of light while reducing black carbon emissions.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 23rd Conference on the Domestic Use of Energy, DUE 2015
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages57-62
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9780992204181
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 6 May 2015
Event23rd International Conference on the Domestic Use of Energy, DUE 2015 - Cape Town, South Africa
Duration: 31 Mar 20151 Apr 2015

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 23rd Conference on the Domestic Use of Energy, DUE 2015

Conference

Conference23rd International Conference on the Domestic Use of Energy, DUE 2015
Country/TerritorySouth Africa
CityCape Town
Period31/03/151/04/15

Keywords

  • Black carbon
  • heterogeneous test protocols
  • off-grid household
  • paraffin (kerosene) lamp
  • thermoelectric generator

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Fuel Technology

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