Heat-Booster
Water Heating Test
2010/11/25 19:28
The first water heating test has been completed. This was done by recirculating 40 L of water through finned copper coil. Hot air from heat exchanger was in the 110°C range during test. Water temperature rose from 13°C to 50°C in 71 minutes. This represents 5,000 BTU/h. Heat transfer can be improved by using a more powerful blower that overcomes pressure drop across finned coil. It should be possible to achieve up to 7,500 BTU/h. Heat transfer rate was almost linear in the temperature range.
Conclusion is that the water heating system is effective and useful and can be used with heat sinks and/or hydronic heating systems.
Conclusion is that the water heating system is effective and useful and can be used with heat sinks and/or hydronic heating systems.
Heat-Booster Test Results
2010/11/21 10:19
The HB24C system was tested by burning 15.1 kg hardwood at “medium” burn rates. Heat exchanger recovered 45% of energy released by combustion. A total of 224,600 BTU of energy was released, and 100,000 BTU was recovered, of what otherwise would have been going out the chimney. No visible emissions can be seen after startup period. This indicates complete combustion. Catalyst ignites during startup period only. Bottom line is that overall energy efficiency was 79% with Heat-Booster system installed. Efficiency would be only 53% without Heat-Booster. A picture of the system, temperature profiles graph, and raw data in Excel format, can be downloaded here (10.5 Mb).
Energy efficiency can be further improved (+3%) by using dried wood, and by increasing size of heat exchanger somewhat. A 90% energy efficiency is possible at low burn rates. This is the “Heat-Booster Revolution”. Find us on YouTube.
Next step is to determine efficiency of water heating coil. Data will be published when available.
Energy efficiency can be further improved (+3%) by using dried wood, and by increasing size of heat exchanger somewhat. A 90% energy efficiency is possible at low burn rates. This is the “Heat-Booster Revolution”. Find us on YouTube.
Next step is to determine efficiency of water heating coil. Data will be published when available.
Heat-Booster Testing Confirms Performance
2010/11/18 19:10
The HB24 system with catalytic model is now undergoing extensive testing to determine heat recovery efficiency. Four thermocouples connected to a data logger are used to record temperatures. T1 is located at stove flue gas exit, just before catalyst; T2 is located just above catalyst; T3 is located at heat exchanger exit and T4 records temperature of hot air from heat exchanger.
Initial data indicate that approximately 1/3 of energy in wood is recovered from flue gases at low to medium burning rates. It is expected that up to 1/2 of energy in wood will be recovered at medium burning rates, and up to 2/3 at high burning rates.
There are no visible emissions after system has warmed up. A graph of temperatures, and video of chimney and firebox, will be published in the near future.
Initial data indicate that approximately 1/3 of energy in wood is recovered from flue gases at low to medium burning rates. It is expected that up to 1/2 of energy in wood will be recovered at medium burning rates, and up to 2/3 at high burning rates.
There are no visible emissions after system has warmed up. A graph of temperatures, and video of chimney and firebox, will be published in the near future.
How Efficient is a HB24 System?
2010/10/31 10:26
Efficiency of the HB24 heat exchanger is illustrated by the following temperatures which are typical at low to medium burn rate:
Top of stove near flue gas collar: 420°C. Exit from heat exchanger: 120°C. Hot air from heat exchanger: 95°C@120 CFM. Energy recovered is 17,600 BTU/h. Wood (oak) burning rate is in the 1 log per hour range or 6 pounds per hour. Total energy input is therefore in the 48,000 BTU/h range. There is absolutely no visible smoke after system has warmed up. Catalyst only glows at startup as there is unburnt fuel in flue gases at this time. Catalyst does not glow after stove has warmed up. This is because there is no fuel in the flue gases!
The following temperatures were observed at medium burn rate: Top of stove near flue gas collar: 482°C, heat exchanger exit: 121°C and hot air at 103°C @ 120 CFM for recovery of 25,830 BTU/h.
Top of stove near flue gas collar: 420°C. Exit from heat exchanger: 120°C. Hot air from heat exchanger: 95°C@120 CFM. Energy recovered is 17,600 BTU/h. Wood (oak) burning rate is in the 1 log per hour range or 6 pounds per hour. Total energy input is therefore in the 48,000 BTU/h range. There is absolutely no visible smoke after system has warmed up. Catalyst only glows at startup as there is unburnt fuel in flue gases at this time. Catalyst does not glow after stove has warmed up. This is because there is no fuel in the flue gases!
The following temperatures were observed at medium burn rate: Top of stove near flue gas collar: 482°C, heat exchanger exit: 121°C and hot air at 103°C @ 120 CFM for recovery of 25,830 BTU/h.
HB24 with Catalytic Module and Draft Inducer
2010/10/29 17:57
Testing of the Heat-Booster wood stove heat recovery system will soon be shown on YouTube. Temperature probes will be installed at stove exit before catalyst, after catalyst, after heat exchanger and in hot air from heat exchanger, and they will be recorded using a data-logger. Wood fuel will be weighed. Chimney exit will be recorded on video.
We believe that most old and new wood stoves can be modified to burn wood completely and to be energy efficient. This is what we will prove in the YouTube video. Watch for “Ultimate Wood Stove System”.
We believe that most old and new wood stoves can be modified to burn wood completely and to be energy efficient. This is what we will prove in the YouTube video. Watch for “Ultimate Wood Stove System”.
HB24 with Catalytic Module and Secondary Air
2010/09/20 21:05
Initial testing of the catalytic combustion module with secondary combustion air supply has been completed. System functions very well without a draft inducer. This is important during periods of power failure. A hot and easy burn using one average size split log per hour produced a stove top temperature of 750°F and a heat exchanger exit temperature of 150°F. One can almost hold the stove pipe with a bare hand! Draft is still very good and there is no visible smoke. House has never before warmed up this quickly!
The HB design is based on sound principles: Complete combustion with excess air, then recover the heat. Any creosote problems are eliminated by complete combustion.
Next step is to test the optional water heating coil. We expect very positive results.
The HB design is based on sound principles: Complete combustion with excess air, then recover the heat. Any creosote problems are eliminated by complete combustion.
Next step is to test the optional water heating coil. We expect very positive results.
Welcome to Heat-Booster™ Energy Systems
2010/06/27 10:45
WHO IS HEAT-BOOSTER™?
Heat-Booster™ Energy Systems is a developer of innovative energy recovery systems that deliver fast pay-backs for our customers. Some products are now available from the on-line store. There are three main product groups: Heat reclaimers for solid fuel burning devices, attic heat recovery for space and water heating and pool heating systems. The Heat-Booster™ Revolution is just starting....
HB is a Canadian owned and operates from Brantford and Kitchener, Ontario. Please use Contact form to reach us.
Heat-Booster™ Energy Systems is a developer of innovative energy recovery systems that deliver fast pay-backs for our customers. Some products are now available from the on-line store. There are three main product groups: Heat reclaimers for solid fuel burning devices, attic heat recovery for space and water heating and pool heating systems. The Heat-Booster™ Revolution is just starting....
HB is a Canadian owned and operates from Brantford and Kitchener, Ontario. Please use Contact form to reach us.