That’s right - I think the version in this article is a simplified model that doesn’t include the thermoelectric pile. You can achieve a high level of efficiency with a passive rocket stove, as you describe, but there is a marginal improvement in efficiency (higher heat, more complete burn, lower CO/CO2 emissions) with the inclusion of a powered forced air system such as the various Biolite models. This is the main function of the Biolite system, and the charge function is really just a side benefit.
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