The installation process of a ductable biomass stove begins with a detailed analysis of the home, including the location of the stove and the calculation of thermal loads to determine the power required by the installation. Unlike conventional air stoves, in ductable stoves, the duct installation must be designed according to the air flow provided by the stove and the thermal loads of each zone, paying attention to the diameters of the ducts and the speed of the ducted air to avoid noise.
Tailored power
An example of this process is the installation of an Ecoforest Cordoba Glass Canalizable in Valencia, carried out by the company Suntex. This model, designed to be embedded in a fireplace or wall, has a glass door that allows the flame to be viewed, making it ideal for installation in existing fireplaces or as a focal point in the living room. The characteristics of the house, such as height, insulation and construction materials, directly influence the power required. In this specific case, it was a new house with a volume of 214.30 m³, for which an output of 7 kW was estimated. Taking this data into account, a 12 kW model was chosen for its design and performance, which is capable of regulating down to low power levels in accordance with the needs of the installation.
Technical requirements
The design of the heat distribution includes the planning of the ductwork, which carries the heated air to different rooms, while minimising heat losses. The air outlet grilles should be strategically located away from doors or windows to maximise heating efficiency. In this project, the ducts were installed in the under-deck, which allowed the pipes to be hidden and improved heat distribution (see picture below). This stove model offers a front outlet to heat the main room and a ductable outlet with a range of up to 7 metres horizontally without the need for auxiliary motors.
The installation also requires a smoke outlet to the outside that complies with the Spanish building regulations. In this case, the flue uses a 316L stainless steel pipe with a diameter of 80 mm and a 6-metre outlet to the roof. In general, it is essential to properly seal the connections between flexible and rigid pipes, as well as to properly insulate the areas of contact with combustible materials. As it is a built-in stove, grilles must be installed to prevent the equipment from overheating (see figure below).
Once the installation has been completed, the company must carry out all the necessary checks to guarantee the safety of the system, verifying the absence of smoke leaks and minimising the risk of fire. If the thermal power is between 5 and 70 kW, the installer must draw up a technical report and register it with the corresponding administrative department, generally the Ministry of Industry.
Maintenance
Once the installation is in operation, the user must carry out the maintenance indicated in the manufacturer’s manual, with a minimum of annual maintenance, which can be increased if more than 500 kg of fuel is consumed during the season. This ensures the correct operation of a decorative, ecological and efficient solution for heating the entire home.
Check all the Ecoforest ducted pellet stoves.