Breakthrough Technology: The Jiko Safi
A team of scientists and technicians in Seattle, WA (US) began in 2010 to design and test an improved cook stove that would use whole seed Jatropha. After testing in Uganda (CREEC at Makarare University) and in the US at Aprechevo, Cottage Grove, Oregon, the low emission stove was put to several field tests in Tanzania. The result of this work is the Jiko Safi - the "Clean Stove" in Swahili. Limited production of the stove in Tanzania began in 2011.
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What makes the Jiko Safi Unique?
First of all, the Jiko Safi burns whole seeds of a common plant, Jatropha that is already known to most rural people in the tropical parts of the world. Farmers can easily grow it in greater quantities than is presently done without taking land needed for food crops. It is a totally renewable home-grown fuel.
Secondly, Jiko Safi uses gasification to achieve a high level of combustion efficiency with minimal emissions. What makes gasifier stoves different from other stoves in the creation of gases that are released from the burning fuel. These gases are then combusted like gas in a propane stove. The Jiko Safi provides an optimum mix of heat, air supply and directed turbulence inside the combustion chamber.
A third special feature of Jiko Safi is that it takes advantage of the exceptional qualitities of the oil in Jatropha seeds. When the energy-rich hydrocarbons of this oil are released from the glowing seeds as vapor, the result is a particularly powerful gas that burns very hot and burns the seed completely. So a small amount of seeds produce a long-burning fire at a very low cost.
Secondly, Jiko Safi uses gasification to achieve a high level of combustion efficiency with minimal emissions. What makes gasifier stoves different from other stoves in the creation of gases that are released from the burning fuel. These gases are then combusted like gas in a propane stove. The Jiko Safi provides an optimum mix of heat, air supply and directed turbulence inside the combustion chamber.
A third special feature of Jiko Safi is that it takes advantage of the exceptional qualitities of the oil in Jatropha seeds. When the energy-rich hydrocarbons of this oil are released from the glowing seeds as vapor, the result is a particularly powerful gas that burns very hot and burns the seed completely. So a small amount of seeds produce a long-burning fire at a very low cost.
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Isometric drawings of Jiko Safi
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Finally, the Jiko Safi is equipped with an integral stove top and a chimney that not only helps provide the ncessary draft; it also contains and moves emissions away from the cook. This natural draft system eliminates the complications of a forced air fan. During its 90 minute burn period, the Jiko Safi shows little or no smoke.
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