Biomass Heating Apparatus with Segmented Combustion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biomass heating stoves using pyrolysis have poor performance, limited versatility, and produce high pollutant emissions due to inefficient combustion and nitrogen oxide formation.

Innovation Solution

A heating apparatus with a brazier for thermochemical decomposition of biomass and a separate combustion chamber, utilizing conveyor means to direct combustible gases to the combustion chamber and recirculation means to manage air flow and reduce oxygen levels, thereby minimizing pollutant emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If ambient air is introduced into the brazier to complete combustion, then combustion is completed, but nitrogen oxide production increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion completionVSAvoidnitrogen oxide production
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the combustion process into two separate chambers: a brazier for pyrolysis and a combustion chamber for combustion. This segmentation allows the brazier to operate with limited oxygen for pyrolysis while the separate combustion chamber handles complete combustion with controlled air introduction, reducing nitrogen oxide formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary combustion chamber between the brazier and the external environment. This intermediate chamber allows controlled mixing of combustible gases with air, acting as a buffer that prevents direct introduction of large amounts of ambient air into the brazier, thereby reducing nitrogen oxide production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If biomass is completely consumed by pyrolysis, then combustion process ends, but operator intervention is required for reloading

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiomass consumptionVSAvoidoperator intervention
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements automatic feeding mechanisms and control systems that enable the apparatus to load and monitor biomass consumption automatically. The system can detect when biomass is depleted and initiate reloading operations without requiring constant operator intervention, improving ease of operation while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If primary air is introduced to create flame cap, then combustion is promoted, but pollutant emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion promotionVSAvoidpollutant emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the flame cap formation function from the main combustion process by introducing primary air selectively in the combustion chamber rather than directly into the brazier. This allows flame cap promotion without excessively increasing oxygen levels in the pyrolysis zone, thereby reducing pollutant emissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies different air introduction strategies to different zones: limited air to the brazier for pyrolysis and controlled air to the combustion chamber for flame cap formation. This local differentiation allows combustion promotion where needed while minimizing pollutant generation in the pyrolysis zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The apparatus achieves reduced pollutant emissions and improved heat management by optimizing the combustion process and minimizing nitrogen oxide production, while maintaining efficient operation and reduced operator intervention.

Implementation Method 1

a brazier suitable to thermochemically decompose a biomass and produce at least one combustible gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPyrolysis: Pyrolysis

Implementation Method 2

a combustion chamber which is autonomous with respect to the brazier, is delimited by a plurality of walls and is suitable to develop heat by means of a flame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentEP4314646B1Heating apparatus and method of using the latter
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 PALAZZETTI LELIO
  • EP4314646B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4314646B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4314646B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

Heating apparatus (10, 100, 200, 300) comprising both a brazier (11) which in turn comprises a first entry aperture (16) to receive a biomass (C) which functions as fuel and a second aperture (18) to receive a first comburent (F1), and also a combustion chamber (20) which is autonomous with respect to said brazier (11), the heating apparatus (10, 100, 200, 300) being delimited by a plurality of walls (22, 23, 24, 25, 26) and suitable to develop heat by means of a flame.