Heat storage and control system for improving the convenience and efficiency of wood burning stoves

Abstract

This claim is an improvement to existing and commercially available domestic heating systems which consist of an outdoor wood burning stove and boiler which recirculate hot water through radiators located inside an inhabited structure or domicile. The inventor proposes the efficiency and convenience of such ‘outdoor wood burning heating systems’ are substantially improved by the addition of a large storage tank for the heated water and an electronic control system. The claimed improvement allows the firebox to be stoked and ignited at a time convenient to the dwelling occupant. Heated water is stored in an insulated water tank until called upon for heating. Combustion is optimized for maximum efficiency and atmospheric emissions are substantially reduced.

I. Provide a means of storing a substantial quantity of heat energy for a period of up to several days after said heat is produced by the stove's combustion process. 
     
     
       II. Provide a means of operating the stove in a manner more convenient for the homeowner's or tenant's lifestyle by allowing fuel loading (stoking) of the firebox and/or initiation of the combustion process (lighting) at a time convenient to the tenant or homeowner rather than at the time heat is required. 
     
     
       III. Provide an improved method of monitoring and controlling the combustion in the stove firebox, and thus provide the simultaneous benefits of reduced airborne emissions and reduced fuel consumption. 
     
     
       IV. Provide an improved means of monitoring stove operation from a remote location such as from within the interior of the home and thus increase the ease and convenience of operating a wood burning heating system. 
     
     
       V. Provide more reliable and sophisticated methods of monitoring and controlling the combustion process and boiler operation and thus reduce the risks of personal injury and/or property damage associated with current generation, ‘outdoor wood stoves’ which are relatively unsophisticated.