Design strategies on heat recovery of cooking stove in rural houses of China

Wulong County is a high altitude mountainous region located in the southeast of Chongqing Province, included in the hot summer and cold winter (HSCW) climate zone of China. The indoor and outdoor temperatures are quite low during the winter and sometimes are intolerant for local occupants. The percentage of possible sunshine is only 13% in winter according to meteorological data, which makes it nearly impossible to use solar energy for space heating. Other ways of heat gaining without extra energy consumption should be explored for the rural houses of this area. This paper analyzed impacts of cooking activities on indoor environmental quality, and estimated the potential of heat recovery of cooking stove for space heating. We conducted in-depth observations of occupants' behavior (including life patterns and cooking activities) and field investigations on thermal environment and indoor air quality. A series of design strategies were proposed based on these survey results. The strategies emphasized the utilization of heated walls and a proper room layout.