We first mentioned the BioLite stove in February of 2010. Thanks to SSD reader Brian M, we know that the CampStove is now available for pre-order after a very long wait indeed.
As you can see, the production version is different from the prototypes we originally showed. BioLite relies on wood gassifier technology combined with a fan that is powered by the conversion of heat generated by the stove to electricity through the use of a Thermoelectric Generator made from solid state semi-conductor elements. The use of woodgas has been around for years and converts the combustible elements of wood into a highly efficient flammable gas by super heating the wood. However, BioLite was originally envisioned for use in developing nations and it burns not only wood but also pine cones, underbrush, pellets, rice husks and even dung.
The CampStove doesn’t just produce heat. It also produces electricity that can be used to charge electronic items such as phones and lights. It takes up about the same volume as a Nalgene bottle and can be used for camping, post-disaster recovery or for any application where you want to use wood and other debris to produce heat and power.
