WOOD//MATTER/S//NOW

To compensate for stricter air quality and emission limits, a paradigm shift is required beyond the optimization of current combustion chambers alone. The combined research efforts proposed in WOOD//MATTER/S//NOW, applying automation, understanding real-life emissions, combined with new technology integrating a catalyst, offer a real opportunity to reach our vision of a “zero-emission” technology. Part of the research also include critical testing in the laboratories at SINTEF/Jøtul/Scan’s locations. The new combustion concept compares to nothing currently on the market, where more than 95% of the stoves are still based on the non-catalytic clean-burn concept, with two-step air supply and back-fed pre-heated air for burn-out. The closest contender in terms of performance is the RAIS Bionic fire, using a down-fired two-chamber solution to achieve PM emissions according to NS3058 of 0.64 g/kg at 86 % efficiency. The nominal effect is 5 kW, with a minimum of 3 kW. The main downside of this stove is its price on the market of around 65,000 NOK. The new combustion concept proposed in this project will have similar or better performance, with more appealing flames down to 1 kW heat output, for 1/3 of the price! On-line, low-power and low emissions at low-cost for high sales volume stoves, are key elements to ensure rapid implementation of automated stoves into the main-stream market. However, no cloud solution exists yet, able to collect user data. Collecting and analyzing these data are crucial to understand how end-users interact with their stove. Other issues regarding stoves with natural draft is the interaction between stove and chimney. Exchanging your old stove with a new manual one does not necessarily reduce the emissions and increase the efficiency, if the chimney is no longer suitable for the new stove. This is why research through innovative solutions, built on those provided by airMont and Safi Brannsikring, is crucial.

To compensate for stricter air quality and emission limits, a paradigm shift is required beyond the optimization of current combustion chambers alone. The combined research efforts proposed in WOOD//MATTER/S//NOW, applying automation, understanding real-life emissions, combined with new technology integrating a catalyst, offer a real opportunity to reach our vision of a “zero-emission” technology. Part of the research also include critical testing in the laboratories at SINTEF/Jøtul/Scan’s locations. The new combustion concept compares to nothing currently on the market, where more than 95% of the stoves are still based on the non-catalytic clean-burn concept, with two-step air supply and back-fed pre-heated air for burn-out. The closest contender in terms of performance is the RAIS Bionic fire, using a down-fired two-chamber solution to achieve PM emissions according to NS3058 of 0.64 g/kg at 86 % efficiency. The nominal effect is 5 kW, with a minimum of 3 kW. The main downside of this stove is its price on the market of around 65,000 NOK. The new combustion concept proposed in this project will have similar or better performance, with more appealing flames down to 1 kW heat output, for 1/3 of the price! On-line, low-power and low emissions at low-cost for high sales volume stoves, are key elements to ensure rapid implementation of automated stoves into the main-stream market. However, no cloud solution exists yet, able to collect user data. Collecting and analyzing these data are crucial to understand how end-users interact with their stove. Other issues regarding stoves with natural draft is the interaction between stove and chimney. Exchanging your old stove with a new manual one does not necessarily reduce the emissions and increase the efficiency, if the chimney is no longer suitable for the new stove. This is why research through innovative solutions, built on those provided by airMont and Safi Brannsikring, is crucial.