Rocket Stove—Principle, Advantages and Disadvantages

This mini-review summarizes current knowledge of rocket stoves as a technology for efficient, low-emission biomass combustion. It focuses primarily on two major design configurations: natural-draught J-tube systems and forced-air systems. Their design principles, operational stability, thermal efficiency, fuel consumption, and emission performance are compared with those of traditional open fires and more advanced wood-burning appliances. Available studies indicate that J-tube systems can substantially reduce fuel consumption and emissions of CO and PM2.5 compared with open fires. However, their performance is strongly influenced by combustion-core geometry, fuel properties, and operating conditions. Forced-air systems can provide more stable combustion, lower emissions, and higher efficiency through controlled primary- and secondary-air supply. Their performance nevertheless depends on the appropriate optimisation of airflow rates, nozzle positions, and combustion-chamber geometry. Overall, rocket stove technology provides a promising basis for the further development of efficient, low-emission biomass combustion appliances, including advanced rocket space heaters and rocket boilers.