Lynn N Kramar

US Patent:

45820457, Apr 15, 1986

Filed:

Dec 17, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/331519

Inventors:

Warren G. Dorau - Crandon WI
Colin C. Handeyside - Elcho WI
Lynn N. Kramar - Crandon WI

International Classification:

F24C 114

US Classification:

126290

Abstract:

A wood or coal burning heater or stove employing a catalytic combustor in its combustion chamber having a primary air supply which feeds air to the fuel, and a secondary air supply which feeds air directly to the catalytic combustor by means of an air diffuser which sprays air evenly over the undersurface of the catalytic combustor. Combustion gases from the burning fuel in the combustion chamber pass through the catalytic combustor to a heat exchanger and then to an exhaust flue. The primary and secondary air supplies are simultaneously controlled so that maximum primary air and reduced secondary air are supplied when maximum heat is demanded, and reduced primary air and maximum secondary air are supplied when minimum heat is demanded. The ratio of primary to secondary air is precisely controlled to maximize overall heating efficiency consonant with high BTU output. A safety interlock system is also provided which only permits opening of the fuel loading door to the combustion chamber after first opening an internal path from the combustion chamber to the exhaust flue which by-passes the catalytic combustor, and maximizing the primary air supply, to thereby prevent the flow of combustion products out of the fuel loading door.