Flueless Fireplace Wick and Matrix Design to Reduce Deflagration Risk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fireplaces, including open and closed designs, face challenges such as limited heating efficiency, safety concerns due to wear parts, and the inability to generate long-lasting, one-piece flames without risking deflagration or explosion, especially when using fuels like ethanol or methanol, and they often require a chimney connection which is not feasible in all settings.
Innovation Solution
A vent-free chimney system utilizing a stainless steel pan with a wick system comprising fiber cords or glass fiber tape, which transports bio-alcohol or fuel gel to a ceramic or glass fiber mat, allowing for controlled, safe, and efficient burning with a long duration, producing a one-piece flame that burns calmly and quietly, without the need for a chimney connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flueless fireplaces with fuel gel or bio-alcohol are used to eliminate chimney requirements, then ease of installation and adaptability improve, but safety deteriorates due to deflagration risks from uncontrolled combustion and wear parts
Solution Approach 1:
The combustion system is segmented into multiple independent burners arranged in a matrix pattern, where each burner operates independently with its own fuel supply channel. This segmentation prevents uncontrolled combustion spread and eliminates the need for wear parts while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
A ceramic matrix structure serves as an intermediary between the fuel reservoir and the combustion zone, providing controlled fuel delivery through porous channels while preventing direct contact between bulk fuel and ignition sources, thus eliminating deflagration risks
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional wick systems are used to transport fuel, then ease of manufacture improves, but reliability deteriorates due to limited burning time and soot production
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a ceramic matrix with controlled porosity to replace traditional wicks, enabling continuous fuel transport through capillary action without combustion of the transport medium itself, thereby extending burning time and eliminating soot production while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The burner system combines ceramic matrix material with fuel-resistant coating and metal mounting components to create a composite structure that prevents fuel degradation and extends operational life without complicating manufacturing
3Area of stationary object
If multiple separate flames are generated to achieve wide fire coverage, then area coverage improves, but reliability deteriorates due to increased deflagration risk and fire protection concerns
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual flame sources are merged into a unified combustion front through the matrix structure, creating a single controlled burning zone that covers large areas while maintaining uniform temperature distribution and preventing localized hot spots that could cause deflagration
4Duration of action of moving object
If fuel is burned directly in the fuel tank to extend burning time, then duration of action improves, but safety deteriorates due to high temperatures causing deflagration risk after extinguishment
Solution Approach 1:
The combustion process is extracted from the fuel storage tank and relocated to a separate ceramic matrix burner assembly, allowing extended burning time through continuous fuel delivery while keeping the fuel reservoir at safe temperatures and eliminating post-extinguishment deflagration risks
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 system ensures a high level of safety and efficiency by preventing deflagration risks, allowing for immediate re-ignition, and providing a realistic flame pattern with low temperature generation, making it suitable for various installations without the need for a smoke outlet, and can be easily transported and scaled.
Implementation Method 1
the fiber cords or the glass fiber tape are able to transport the fuel, for example alcohol, in such a way that at the place where the fuel is ignited
Implementation Method 2
an essentially soot-free flame is produced, which enables the fire agent to burn safely and effectively
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an unvented chimney for outgassing a flaming agent or combustible (=burning agent) without causing deflagration, a kit for producing said chimney, and the use of said chimney for generating monolithic fire barriers.