KOZHIKODE: Impressed by his fuel-efficient smokeless stove and community chulhas, Cuba has extended invitation to Koyilandy native V. Jayaprakash to showcase his invention there. Mr Jayaprakash’s energy conservation stoves will be presented at the Environment International Convention on Science, Technology and Innovation, organised by the Cuban Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment, from October 31 to November 4 in Havana.
The first-of-its kind smokeless stove and community chulhas, designed by Mr Jayaprakash, has been in use in close to 100 schools in Kozhikode, Idukki districts to prepare mid-day meals. “The stove undergoes two-tier burning process.
Normally, unburned part of the biomass fuel (wood) escapes as smoke which consists of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane and hydrogen. In my stove, oxygen is again provided from the back portion to ignite the smoke.
Except carbon dioxide, all other components get burned in this way. This process reduces the intake of wood and cuts the emission of carbon and other green house gases,” elaborates Mr Jayaprakash. As many as 7,500 stoves have been manufactured till now.
He claims that usage of his stoves help save Rs 3 lakh per day in wood expense for the schools. He has given training to Indian Army and major institutions like IIT New Delhi on energy saving methods. The stove has won awards in the state innovation award in 2007 and an all-India award 2012. Mr Jayaprakash is elated to take part in the international conference in Cuba.
