Non-catalytic biomass fuel burner and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a non-catalytic biomass burner that may be used to burn a variety of fuel types at high efficiencies. The burner may include a cylindrical combustion chamber with an auxiliary igniter to heat the fuel in the combustion chamber until desirable combustion temperatures are reached. Fuel may be added to the chamber via a fuel feed assembly, and the rate of fuel addition to the chamber by the fuel feed assembly may be controlled by a computer. A fan located on the distal side of a flue pipe from the chamber may also be provided that pulls air into the chamber through one or more air inlets that are designed to encourage cyclonic air and exhaust flow in the chamber. Methods are further provided for controlling the manner of operation of the burner by a computer that may be instructed by a computer program code.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 563,921 filed on Nov. 28, 2011, the entire contents and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to biomass burners and more particularly to an apparatus and method for non-catalytic biomass burning.[0004]2. Related Art[0005]In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency classifies bio-mass burners into two categories: catalytic burners and non-catalytic burners. The two different types of stoves (or burners) are regulated differently and have different operating requirements. A catalytic wood stove uses a catalytic combustion device to heat, ignite and burn off the smoke generated by the fire. In general, this results in maximum “use” of the fuel (e.g., wood), even and steady production of heat, and very minimal output of smoke and pollutants. The...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a non-catalytic biomass burner with improved combustion efficiency and reduced emissions. The burner has a cylindrical interior shape with air inlets and a flue pipe for exhaust gas. It also includes a fuel inlet tube and an auxiliary igniter for directing heat into the combustion chamber. The burner has a computer that receives and controls the combustion temperature, which is measured by a first temperature sensor near the top of the combustion chamber. The computer determines the fuel rate for adding fuel to the combustion chamber based on the measured combustion temperature. The invention also provides a method for operating the burner and controlling the combustion temperature.

Problems solved by technology

Most complaints about catalytic stoves relate to maintaining or replacing the catalytic combustor plate.

Catalytic stoves are generally thought to be harder to maintain as the catalytic plate requires some amount of care with cleaning and replacing.

Improper use or burning can reduce this expected lifetime to two years.

As for expense, such replacement plates can cost hundreds of dollars to purchase today.

In either a catalytic stove or non-catalytic stove or burner, providing biomass fuel in a form and condition to be burned efficiently is presently difficult to accomplish.

However, this type of burner is not practical for residential use where stoves may operate in the 100,000 BTU / hr to 500,000 / hr BTU range.

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