Principles of Operation

September 14, 2008 · Filed Under Pellet Stove Operation · 3 Comments 

A pellet stove will normally consists of these six basic components in some form:

  • A hopper
  • An auger system
  • Two blower fans (combustion and convection)
  • A firebox (with refractory panels, burn-pot, and ash collection system)
  • Various safety features (vacuum switch, heat sensors)
  • A main control box/board (or “brain”)

For pellet stoves to properly function they require electricity which can be plugged into a normal wall outlet. A pellet stove is a consistent heater consuming fuel that is fed evenly from a refillable hopper into the burn-pot (a perforated cast-iron basin), through a motorized system. The most commonly tpye of distributor used is called an auger, the system consists of a spiral length of metal encased in a tube. This mechanism is either located above the burn-pot or slightly beneath and guides a portion of pellet fuel from the hopper upwards until it falls into the burn-pot and begins to combust.

A fan systems is used for clean, economical performance. The flame produced is concentrated and intense as a combustion blower introduces air into the bottom of the burn-pot. Previously some pellet stoves were hot to the touch (especially on the viewing window), most manufacturers now utilize a series of cast-iron heat exchangers that run inside of thefirebox.

The first is a convection blower which  are used to circulate the room air through the heat exchangers and redirected back into the living space. This method allows for a much higher efficiency than the radiant heat of a hand-fed wood or coal stove, and this will cause the top of the pellet stove to be not more than warm to the touch. The other fan used is for convection air, an exhaust fan forces air from the firebox through special venting specifically made for pellet fuel. This cycle of circulation is an integral part of the combustion system as well, for the concentrated high-temperature flame will quickly overheat the firebox. Some of the possible problems associated with overheating are electrical component failure and flames traveling into the auger tube causing a hopper fire. All pellet stoves have built in heat sensors for safe guards so any unsafe conditions occur it will shut down.

Starting pellet stoves can either be lit manually or through an automatic igniter. The igniter piece resembles a car’s electric cigarette lighter heating coil. Most models have automatic ignition and can be readily equipped with thermostats or remote controls.

Tags:

Wood Pellet Stove FAQ

July 12, 2008 · Filed Under Pellet Stove Appliances, Pellet Stove Installation, Pellet Stove Maintenance, Pellet Stove Operation · 2 Comments 

How do I start my fire?

If you have a manual igniter you need to use a special gel or solid starter material, light the pellet fuel and monitor the progress. If your pellet stoves are automatic then simply add the pellets and push the start button to heat the self-ignite device.

What are my choices of models?

Freestanding or insert pellet stove, with combinations of bottom feed or top feed, and of course there are numerous colors.

What professional should I call if I have an issue?

Of course depands on the issue, but If you are contacting a professional to perform a chimney sweep you should make sure your sweep comes with a complete check of all components in your stove. If you are contacting a professional because the stove is not working corectly, then look though the manual that came with the pellet stove for more info.

What do I do on a regular basis?

Pellet Stove maintainance and Cleaning, You must always keep your stove in good working order, even during the times when you’re not using it. If you’ve purchased a warranty with your stove you can usually get a check up done by a professional for free.

Pellet stove Location?


You want to make sure your stove has plenty of ventilation near and around it. Nothing should be blocking the vents or fans, and a good working electrical outlet should be nearby. Check with a professional for the best advice.

What’s so great about wood pellet stoves?

The wooden pellets (fuel) are a biomass product therefore they heat the rooms are eco-friendly and good for the environment. They are made of recycled wood that would normally be left at the local dumpsite. These stoves are cheaper to use than gas and add character to rooms.

Do I need to protect my floors?

Yes. Your manufacturer should be able to give you a list of suitable materials safe to use under wood pellet stoves. Each model is unique and could have varied results, so recommend to ask your professional before purchasing.

How do I shut down my stove?

Thats staright forward, look for the control switch and urn to OFF position according to the operation instructions. The fuel feed then stops feeding the fuel and once it’s cooled all motors and blowers stop operating. Never pull the plug out of the wall to stop operation.

Tags:

Pellet Stove Shut Down Operation

July 3, 2008 · Filed Under Pellet Stove Operation · Comment 

What are signs of performance problems?


Properly operated and well maintained pellet stoves experience few, if any problems. Most of pellet stove operation is automatic, but sometimes combustion air adjustment is needed.

Signs like a lazy, orange, sooty flame or dark smoke coming out of the vent (after startup and before shutdown) may indicate the need for more air or an overactive, “blow torch” flame calls for less air.” Performance problems are more likely to be caused by neglected maintenance than by operation. Lazy flame, dark smoke, unusual sooting of glass, unexplained smoke spillage, and reduced heat output all point to the need for maintenance of appliance components and/or the venting system or for remedies for house depressurization. Problems related to mechanical failure usually result in safety switches shutting the appliance down. Appliance shutdowns may, however, indicate nothing more than owner forgetfulness (empty hopper) or hurry (improper startup), or intermittent power failure. Unexplained, repeated appliance shutdowns call for professional advice and service.

How do I shut the stove down?
Shutting the pellet stove down is typically a matter of simply setting the control to the “Off position” according to operating instructions. The fuel feed stops delivering fuel right away, and after the stove cools sufficiently, all motors and blowers cease operation. The pellet stove should NOT be shut down by unplugging the power cord.

What happens in an unexpected shutdown such as a power outage or component failure?
Although fuel feed stops in a power outage, the pellets in the burn pot may continue to burn or smolder. The duration of this condition can vary depending on the pellet stove appliance design from a few minutes to an hour or more. The resulting smoke and hot gases rise, seeking the path of least resistance. If the exhaust vent does not have vertical sections to provide natural draft, smoke may spill into the home (Figure 14).

For more informaton on Pellet Stove Operation click here.

Tags:

Pellet Stove Starting Operation

June 29, 2008 · Filed Under Pellet Stove Operation · 2 Comments 

Where do we start?

The obvious would be the instructions that accompany the pellet stove appliance, generally operating a pellet stove is not difficult, but it maybe new technology so it calls for some basic knowledge.

Training vides accompany some stoves, and hands on demonstrations are done by many dealers and installers.

How do I start a fire?
Most designs make start up easy by using Small dry pellet fuel and combustion air. Operating instructions provided with the stove give the specific steps to follow.

Manual ignition stoves call for the owner to apply an approved gel or solid starter material (no liquids), light the pellets, and monitor the fire to see that the fire catches and the flame gradually grows. On the automatic ignition pellet stoves, pushing the start button feeds pellets to the burn pot and heats the self-igniter device.

What if the stove doesn’t start properly?
For this a safety device monitors startup and stops fuel feed if operating temperatures are not reached within a specified time period. If startup fails, the operator makes sure that the hopper has fuel, that fuel is feeding, and restarts the stove. Repeated failed lighting cycles indicate the need for maintenance or professional service.

What do I do after the stove starts?
After the initial start up the control panel or air inlet adjustments and a quick performance check, the pellet stove is set to provide hours of even, comfortable heat. Stoves equipped with a remote wall thermostat respond to owner setting and room air temperature by cycling on and off or by cycling from a low to high burn, depending on pellet stove design.

For more informaton on Pellet Stove Operation click here.

Tags: ,