Design, Construction and Performance Evaluation of a Dual-Powered Cooker

Abstract

A dual-powered cooker is a combination of components that makes possible the use of alternative heat sources. Due to the irregular power supply common in developing countries, as well as the growing high cost of hydrocarbon fuel sources, the need arises for the development of a dual energy source that uses both electricity and gas for heating and cooking. The aim of this research work is to design, construct and carry out a performance evaluation of a dual-powered cooker. The materials for the research work were locally sourced and selected based on suitability in reference to the design requirement of the cooker. The cooker consists of two divisions, each fitted with a burner operating on distinct energy sources, electricity and gas. Within the electric burner is a heating element that generates and dissipates heat across a hotplate. On the other hand, cooking gas is supplied to the burner located at the other segment of the cooker via a threaded pipe connection to a gas cylinder, secured unto a control mechanism that allows the burning rate to be varied progressively and continuously. The temperature of the water was allowed to synergize with the ambient temperature of the room before testing. Several important findings can be drawn from this assessment. The gas cooker has a  higher overall thermal efficiency between (57.50% [without lid] - 62.84% [with lid]) as opposed to the efficiency of its electric counterpart, which falls between (29.78% [without lid] - 39.12% [with lid]). The dual-powered cooker was successfully designed, constructed and evaluated. The gas cooker has a higher efficiency than the electric cooker. Primarily, the gas cooker is at an advantage as it does not need to preheat or rely on power from an electric source subject to fluctuation in voltage before cooking, unlike the electric cooker; therefore, making it better at a wider range of cooking operations.It combines the best of gas and electric cookers. Gas hobs that are quick to heat up and easy to control, plus electric ovens with more accurate heat settings and multiple features.