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Is anyone familiar with the so called rocket mass heaters - a popular DIY project? Has anyone ever studied design or uses?
enosis_ said:Is anyone familiar with the so called rocket mass heaters - a popular DIY project? Has anyone ever studied design or uses?
Wikipedia said:A rocket stove mass heater or rocket mass heater, is a space heating system developed from the https://www.physicsforums.com/wiki/Rocket_stove , a type of efficient wood-burning stove and the https://www.physicsforums.com/wiki/Masonry_heater . Wood is gravity fed into a "J-shaped" combustion chamber, from where the hot gases enter a heavily insulated metal or fire-brick vertical secondary combustion chamber, the exhaust from which then passes along horizontal metal https://www.physicsforums.com/wiki/Duct_(industrial_exhaust) embedded within a massive https://www.physicsforums.com/wiki/Cob_(material) https://www.physicsforums.com/wiki/Thermal_energy_storage . The thermal store is large enough to retain heat for many hours and typically forms part of the structure of the building. They have proved to be popular with https://www.physicsforums.com/wiki/Natural_building and within https://www.physicsforums.com/wiki/Permaculture designs; they are normally self-built and are not yet recognized by all https://www.physicsforums.com/wiki/Building_code which regulate the design and construction of heating systems within buildings.
An internal vertical insulated https://www.physicsforums.com/wiki/Chimney , the combustion chamber, ensures an efficient high-temperature burn and creates enough draft to push exhaust gases through the rest of the system. https://www.physicsforums.com/wiki/Flue_gas are cooled to a relatively low temperature within the thermal store, approximately 50 °C (122 °F), and steam within these gases https://www.physicsforums.com/wiki/Condense into liquid releasing the associated https://www.physicsforums.com/wiki/Latent_heat of evaporation, which further increases the efficiency in the manner of a https://www.physicsforums.com/wiki/Condensing_boiler .[1]
A rocket mass heater is a type of wood-burning stove that utilizes a unique design to efficiently heat a space while using less wood compared to traditional stoves. It consists of a combustion chamber, a horizontal heat riser, and a vertical chimney that allows for a longer and hotter burn, resulting in cleaner and more efficient combustion.
A rocket mass heater works by directing the heat and smoke from the burning wood through a horizontal heat riser, which creates a draft that pulls the heat and smoke up and out of the chimney. The heat from the combustion chamber is also radiated out into the surrounding space, providing a more even distribution of heat compared to traditional stoves.
There are several benefits to using a rocket mass heater, including its high efficiency, minimal wood consumption, and low emissions. It also has the added advantage of being able to heat a space for an extended period of time with just one fire, making it a great option for off-grid living or emergency heating situations.
Designing a rocket mass heater involves considering factors such as the size and layout of the space to be heated, the materials to be used, and the climate in which it will be used. It is important to follow proper design principles, such as having a well-insulated combustion chamber and chimney, to ensure optimal performance and safety.
As with any wood-burning stove, there are some safety considerations to keep in mind when using a rocket mass heater. These include proper ventilation and clearance from flammable materials, regular maintenance and cleaning, and following proper usage and installation guidelines. It is also important to have a carbon monoxide detector in the space where the rocket mass heater is being used.