An internal combustion stove, in particular of an improved type
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pellet stoves relying on electrical aspirators are non-functional in isolated areas or during electrical grid faults, requiring a compromise that reduces performance by converting to traditional wood-burning stoves, losing the advantages of pellet combustion.
Innovation Solution
An internal combustion stove design incorporating an external combustion engine, such as a Stirling engine, along the flue pipe to convert thermal energy from combustion fumes into mechanical energy, with an electric current generator to power the aspiration system, allowing operation without external energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an electrical aspirator is used for forced ventilation in pellet stoves, then high combustion performance is achieved, but the stove becomes non-functional in isolated areas or during electrical grid faults
Solution Approach 1:
The stove generates its own electrical energy through a generator coupled to the combustion process, making it self-sufficient and independent of external electrical grids. The combustion of pellets drives a mechanical generator that produces electricity to power the aspirator and control systems, enabling autonomous operation in isolated areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the combustion chamber with a generator mechanism, merging the thermal energy conversion process with electrical energy generation. The hot gases from combustion simultaneously heat water/air for heating purposes and drive the generator to produce electricity, creating a multi-functional integrated system.
2Reliability
If the electronic system for combustion fume expulsion is eliminated to enable operation without electricity, then the stove can function in isolated areas, but the performance and design advantages of pellet stoves are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is directly coupled to the combustion process, converting a portion of the thermal energy into mechanical energy that drives an electrical generator. This self-generated electricity powers the electronic aspirator and control systems, maintaining high combustion performance without dependence on external electrical infrastructure.
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
Enables autonomous operation of pellet stoves, maintaining high combustion performance and environmental benefits, while generating electricity for self-sustenance and heating water systems, regardless of electrical availability.
Implementation Method 1
the hot part of which is arranged along said flue pipe for the transfer of the heat of said combustion fumes to said hot part
Implementation Method 2
it comprises an external combustion engine, which is associated with said supporting structure and the hot part of which is arranged along said flue pipe
Implementation Method 3
convert at least part of the thermal energy possessed by said combustion fumes into mechanical energy by means of the operation of said external combustion engine
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to an internal combustion stove (1), particularly of the improved type, comprising a supporting structure (2) which forms at least one combustion chamber (3) of a combustible material for generating heat and at least one flue pipe (4) for the external discharge of the combustion fumes produced by the combustion of the combustible material. The peculiarity of the invention is that it comprises an external combustion engine (10), which is associated to the supporting structure (2) and the hot part of which is arranged along said flue pipe (4) for the transfer of the heat of the combustion fumes to said hot part so as to convert at least part of the thermal energy possessed by the combustion fumes into mechanical energy by means of the operation of the external combustion engine (10).