Uma nova proposta de avaliação de fogões à biomassa

Abstract

This research presents the method of Global Assessment of Biomass Stoves - (MAGOF) which innovates by considering a wood stove as a household equipment, thus a product, unlike the known evaluation protocols that prioritize energy aspects. The MAGOF determines the Global Performance index by employing 72 Quality Requirements regarding the product’s life cycle, distributed by affinity amongst 5 Attributes that indicate Performances Of Specific Design, Environmental, Featured, Energy, where it is inserted the Water Boiling Test (WBT), and Economic Specific Performance. These innovative particularities offer relevant information for designers, researchers, manufacturers, users, consumers, investors, regulator or supervisory governmental institutions and other actors. This information favors the decision - making process, technological innovation, improved stoves, health and safety of users, environmental preservation and reflects on the economy. The MAGOF is of global relevance since it is aligned with global efforts in seeking comprehensive solutions to the problems arising from the inadequacy of biomass stoves traditionally available, since about 2.5 billion people use wood or charcoal to cook on all continents, and the World Health Organization (WHO) found out that about 1.5 million people die annually from respiratory diseases caused mainly by smoke emitted by biomass stoves. The survey also brings an application of a MAGOF on a stove produced by the Ecofogão company, and an Amazonian handmade stove. A performance comparison is presented, resulting in consistent values regarding other stoves of the same category.