A New Design for Wood Stoves Based on Numerical Analysis and Experimental Research

Abstract

This work proposes a comprehensive approach to modifying the design of wood stoves with a heating power up to 20 kW, including design works, simulations, and experimental research. The work is carried out in two stages. In the first part, a numerical model is proposed of the fireplace insert including fluid flow, the chemical combustion reaction, and heat exchange (FLUENT software is applied to solve the problem). The results of the simulation were compared with the experiment carried out on the test bench. A comparison of the experimental and numerical results was made for the temperature distribution along with the concentration of CO, CO2, and O2. Construction changes were proposed in the second stage, together with numerical simulations whose goal was an increase in the efficiency of the heating devices. The results obtained show that the average temperature in the chimney flue, which has a low value that is a determinant of the higher efficiency of the heating devices, was reduced relative to the initial design of the fireplace intake by 11%–16% in all cases. The retrofit enhanced stable heat release from the wood stove, which increased the efficiency and reduced the harmful components of combustion.