Results in Engineering (Dec 2022)
The effect of finned heat reflector materials and diameters on the efficiency and temperature distribution of liquefied petroleum gas stove
Abstract
The low efficiency of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stoves, one of which is caused by the loss of environmental heat. In order to increase efficiency, the heat loss will be captured and reflected back using a finned heat reflector. The purpose of this study was to find the effect of the material and diameter of the finned heat reflector on the efficiency and distribution of flame temperature on the LPG stove. The research was conducted on an LPG stove with a finned heat reflector installed. The conical reflector model is truncated facing upwards and made of fins that are directed at the inner side. Efficiency measurement is done by Water Boiling Test (WBT) while temperature distribution by experiment. The reflector material is varied, namely aluminum, stainless steel, and aluminum foil, while the diameter of the reflector is also varied, namely 145 mm–165 mm with a range of 5 mm. The efficiency value obtained is also compared with conventional stoves. Based on the results of the study, it was found that the finned heat reflector with 155 mm diameter stainless steel material produced the highest efficiency of 60%, an increase of 7.9% compared to conventional stoves. It was also found that the material and diameter produced the largest heat area and the highest temperature. This happens because of the complete combustion process and the optimal function of the reflector in reflecting back the radiation heat losses.
