American chimney furnace

Abstract

One embodiment of a furnace or heat collection device installed in or above the firebox of a residential fireplace, chimney, commercial smokestack, etc. The embodiment is typically made of metal or other highly heat conductive material, but other materials may also prove suitable. One manifestation of the embodiment is a hollow walled oblong tube. It is anticipated that the embodiment can take many other shapes including, circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, etc., but other shapes may also prove suitable, in order to achieve maximum efficiency and safety and in order to fit a variety of fireplaces or chimneys or smokestack structures. The embodiment is seamlessly integrated with the primary heating or energy system of the premises.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application No. 61/206,038 filed Jan. 27, 2009 by the present inventor.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Field:

This application relates to residential or commercial hot air and/or water heating or furnaces.

2. Prior Art:

Fireplaces, stoves, inserts and other hearth appliances are one of the most popular features in American homes. In fact, half of all U.S. households (55 million) have at least one fireplace or freestanding stove. Fireplaces rank among the top three features desired by new home buyers, after outdoor porches and upgraded kitchens, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

The strength of any fireplace is the look and feel of an open fire. No insert or stove has yet been developed which can match the esthetic value of an open brick wood burning fireplace. Forty Eight percent of all new homes built today have at least one fireplace.

The critical weakness to any wood burning brick fireplace is inefficiency. It is well known that brick fireplaces are inefficient. A majority of heat from any brick fireplace is lost up the chimney. Further any wood burning brick fireplace will typically only heat the area immediately adjacent to the fire itself.

One combined and complicated chimney and fireplace design has attempted to incorporate a heat collecting mechanism in a chimney and fireplace structure. U.S. Pat. No. 4,043,313 to Sherman discloses a complicated design for the construction of an entire fireplace and chimney structure.

Thus if this design (U.S. Pat. No. 4,043,313) is used an entirely new and expensive structure, chimney and or fireplace, or significant and expensive alteration to the chimney or fireplace is required. Being relatively cumbersome and complicated Sherman's design cannot be easily installed. Also, by attempting to collect heat at levels far above the firebox less heat is collected. Sherman's design relies upon convection or the naturally occurring and slowly rising volume of hot air to provide heat, thereby limiting the amount or volume of hot air and the control of its introduction into the heating system. Sherman's design provides a cumbersome and incomplete integration system and fails to provide a simple control mechanism or thermostatic element to control the switching functions between the design and the primary home heating system.

The American Chimney Furnace is easily installed pre or post construction into a fireplace or smokestack chimney structure. Heated air rising from the fire, typically wasted energy, contacts the top, bottom and both the interior and exterior walls of the open ended prefabricated assembly, thereby heating the air contained within. The embodiment has one intake and one exit vent both connected to the pre existing or newly constructed heating system and fully integrated thereto via the American Chimney Integration System. Untreated air is forced or drawn through the intake valve, passes through the hollow interiors walls of the embodiment and exits as heated clean air through the exit vent. The heated, clean air is then delivered directly to the plenum or furnace of the preexisting primary heating system for distribution throughout the premises.

Thus, several advantages of the embodiment are as follows: The embodiment significantly increases the efficiency of residential fireplaces, chimneys or commercial smokestacks. Ease of installation and integration. The embodiment can be manufactured in a variety of standard shapes and sizes engineered to fit a majority of existing chimneys including residential and industrial chimneys worldwide. The embodiment provides a secondary heating system. The embodiment allows fireplaces to be enjoyed as designed and built with no obtrusive or cumbersome inserts, stoves, significant alterations or esthetic changes. The embodiment significantly reduces heating and energy costs. The embodiment distributes heat and energy to an entire premises or significantly larger portions thereof. The embodiment reduces wasted energy. The embodiment reduces dependence on foreign oil and gas. The embodiment reduces greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels for heat or energy. The embodiment increases the use of renewable energy resources. The embodiment has low maintenance requirements and costs. The embodiment may be used to provide higher temperatures to habitable spaces 80, 90 or 100 degrees, with no additional cost, as turning your thermostat to 80, 90 or 100 while burning wood or other combustible fuel in a fireplace at a roughly constant rate, will not result in wasted energy or heat, by burning additional wood or other fuel. The embodiment allows the user to simply start a fire without further thought as to switching between the embodiment and the primary home heating system, as that function is automatically controlled by the combination of the embodiment, working with the temperature sensor and the thermostat.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment the American Chimney Furnace is an open ended stand alone durable heating system or furnace installed into a fireplace typically just above the firebox and/or in smoke chamber and/or chimney system, collecting and providing heat.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 Shows whole and cross sectional or transparent views of the embodiment.

Reference Numeral 10 Shows the temperature sensor integrated into the interior of the embodiment.

Reference Numeral 12 Shows the air supply.

Reference Numeral 14 Shows the temperature sensor connection line. This connection line will be fed through or exit the embodiment through the interior of the air supply duct to be connected directly to the American Chimney Thermostat (See FIG. 26). This is explained in this section as for drafting purposes it has been difficult to show this embodiment of the line feed inside the air supply (Reference Numeral 12).

Reference Numeral 16 Shows the heat output.

Reference Numeral 18 Shows the bracketing system.

Reference Numeral 100 Shows a transparent view of one embodiment containing heat directionals.

FIG. 2 Shows whole front and rear views of the embodiment installed in a fireplace.

Reference Numeral 20 Shows the embodiment installed just above the firebox and/or in smoke chamber and/or chimney system.

Reference Numeral 16 Shows the heat output.

Reference Numeral 12 Shows the air supply.

Reference Numeral 22 Shows the American Chimney Thermostat.

Reference Numeral 24 Shows the chimney.

Reference Numeral 26 Shows the flue.

Reference Numeral 28 Shows the smoke chamber.

Reference Numeral 18 Shows brackets.

Reference Numeral 200 Shows the fireplace.

Reference Numeral 210 Shows the back of the firebox.

Reference Numeral 220 Shows the damper system.

Reference Numeral 14 Shows the temperature sensor line connected to the American Chimney Thermostat (Reference Numeral 22).

FIG. 3 Shows whole front and rear views of the embodiment integrated into the existing home heating system.

Reference Numeral 30 Shows an inset revealing one possible display on the American Chimney Thermostat.

Reference Numeral 22 Shows the American Chimney Thermostat.

Reference Numeral 14 Shows the Temperature Sensor line connecting to the American Chimney Thermostat.

Reference Numeral 12 Shows the cold air supply to the embodiment.

Reference Numeral 16 Shows the hot air from the embodiment.

Reference Numeral 32 Shows the blower.

Reference Numeral 34 Shows the heat exchangers.

Reference Numeral 36 Shows the hot air supply to premises.

Reference Numeral 38 Shows the air pump.

Reference Numeral 300 Shows an inset showing the manifold from the embodiment blowing hot air into heat exchangers.

Reference Numeral 310 Shows the plenum.

FIG. 4 Shows whole front and rear views of the embodiment integrated into the existing home heating system.

Reference Numeral 310 Shows the embodiment blowing hot air into the plenum.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1, 2, 3 & 4

The drawing of one manifestation of the embodiment is enclosed in FIG. 1. A furnace or other heat collection device comprised of metal or other highly heat conductive material in the shape of a hollow walled oblong tube, circular tube, square tube, triangular tube, rectangular tube, polygonal tube or other shape, around and or through which hot air and gases rising from a fire pass unobstructed, contacting all surfaces and heating the air contained within the hollow walls (FIG. 2), and an air supply duct or tube forcing or drawing untreated air through the interior walls of the hollow walled embodiment (Reference Numeral 12—FIG. 1), and a hot air duct or tube providing an exit for heated, clean air from the embodiment (Reference Numeral 16—FIG. 1) directly to a primary or other heating system providing heat to habitable space (FIGS. 3 & 4).

The embodiment can be manufacture in many sizes in order to achieve maximum efficiency and safety and in order to fit a variety of fireplaces or chimney or smokestack structures.

In one manifestation of this embodiment the embodiment has one air supply tube or vent, typically made of metal or other highly heat conductive material (Reference Numeral 12—FIG. 1). In this manifestation the embodiment has one heat output tube or vent, typically made of metal or other highly heat conductive material (Reference Numeral 16—FIG. 1). The manifestation may also have interior heat directionals, typically made of metal or other highly heat conductive material (Reference Numeral 100—FIG. 1). The embodiment has a bracketing system to allow for easy installation and adjustment within the chimney structure (Reference Numeral 18—FIG. 1). The embodiment also contains an interior temperature sensor (Reference Numeral 10—FIG. 1) connected to a temperature sensor line (Reference Numeral 14—FIG. 1), that line connected directly to the Thermostat. (Reference Numeral 26—FIG. 2).

Operation: FIGS. 2-3 & 4

The embodiment is installed in or above a new or existing fireplace, fireplace insert, wood or pellet burning stove, firebox, smoke chamber, flue, chimney or smokestack (Reference Numeral 20—FIG. 2).

Hot air rising from a fireplace delivers significant amounts of heat up a chimney structure. This heat, typically wasted energy, contacts both the interior and exterior walls and the top and bottom of the embodiment, thereby heating the air within the embodiment's hollow walls (FIG. 2).

The embodiment includes a temperature sensor contained within the embodiment, wherein the temperature sensor provides temperatures of the furnace directly to and controlling a thermostat (Reference Numeral 14—FIGS. 1 & 2, Reference Numeral 22—FIG. 2).

The embodiment further includes a thermostat controlled partially by the temperature sensor, wherein the thermostat controls the switching functions between a primary or other heating system and the embodiment (Reference Numeral 22—FIG. 2).

When the interior of the embodiment's hollow walls achieve a sufficient temperature from the rising hot air from the fire, as determined by the interior temperature sensor (Reference Numeral 10—FIG. 1), the Thermostat (Reference Numeral 22—FIG. 2) starts the Air Pump (Reference Numeral 38—FIG. 3)—thereby forcing or drawing air through the air supply pipe into the embodiment, the clean air is heated within the hollow walls of the embodiment and exits as hot air via the heat output, directly to the primary heating system (Reference Numeral 300—FIG. 3). The thermostat (Reference Numeral 22—FIG. 2) simultaneously shuts off the gas, oil, electric or other primary furnace, therefore, heating the habitable spaces solely by means of the embodiment in conjunction with the wood burning or other fire.

Cool or untreated air is forced through the embodiment from the air supply (Reference Numeral 12—FIG. 1). The air circulates in the embodiment (FIGS. 1-3) and exits as clean, heated air through the heat output (Reference Numeral 16—FIG. 1). The clean, heated air is then introduced directly into the primary heating system for distribution throughout the premises (Reference Numeral 300—FIG. 3 & Reference Numeral 310 FIG. 4)

The embodiment is seamlessly integrated to the existing or newly constructed hot air heating system of the premises (FIGS. 1-3) and therefore requires little fireplace alteration. As a result, the esthetic of the fireplace and even chimney exterior will be significantly unaffected. The embodiment may serve as a primary or secondary heating system. The embodiment will be marketed as a durable good installed in the fireplace, chimney or smokestack structure and fully integrated into the primary home heating system of the premises.

The embodiment is connected directly to and switches between the primary or other heating system by means of a temperature sensor, connected to the thermostat, wherein the embodiment provides heat to other habitable areas by means of a wood burning or other burning fire.

The embodiment will heat all or a significant portion of a premises while a fire is burning—and for a significant period after the fire has diminished or extinguished. When the fire is extinguished the household will revert to the primary heating source automatically by operation of the preprogrammed thermostat (Reference Numeral 22—FIG. 2), responding to input electronically provided by sensors on the embodiment (Reference Numeral 10—FIG. 1).

The embodiment and integration process or method are controlled by an interior temperature sensor (Reference Numeral 10—FIG. 1). As a result, the sensor and connecting mechanism itself are protected from smoke, ash and creosote buildup while also providing a more accurate measurement of the air or water being introduced to the primary heating system. The temperature sensor wiring exits the embodiment through the intake vent connection far outside the firebox or smoke shelf and connects directly to the thermostat (Reference Numeral 22—FIG. 2). The thermostat replaces entirely the existing thermostat.

Alternative Embodiments

The embodiment contained in FIGS. 1-4 may also be used to heat hot water for home heating, hot water usage and for the generation of electricity when connected to a steam powered turbine generator.

ADVANTAGES

From the description above several advantages of the embodiment are as follows:

The embodiment significantly increases the efficiency of residential fireplaces, chimneys or commercial smokestacks.

Ease of installation and integration.

The embodiment can be manufactured in a variety of standard shapes and sizes engineered to fit a majority of chimneys including residential and industrial chimneys and smokestacks worldwide.

The embodiment provides a secondary heating or energy system.

The embodiment allows fireplaces to be enjoyed as designed and built with no obtrusive or cumbersome inserts, stoves, significant alterations or esthetic changes.

The embodiment significantly reduces heating and energy costs.

The embodiment simply requires the user to start a fire, thereafter, the switching function: turning off primary heating system and switching to the embodiment, is controlled automatically by operation of the temperature sensor, thermostat and integration process.

The embodiment distributes heat and energy to an entire premises or significantly larger areas within habitable spaces.

The embodiment reduces wasted heat and energy.

The embodiment reduces dependence on foreign oil and gas.

The embodiment reduces greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels for heat or energy.

The embodiment increases the use of renewable energy resources.

The embodiment has low maintenance requirements and costs.

The embodiment may be used to provide higher temperatures to the premises 80, 90 or 100 degrees, with no additional cost, as turning your thermostat to 80, 90 or 100 degrees while burning wood or other combustible fuel in a fireplace at a roughly constant rate, will not result in wasted energy or heat.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS & SCOPE

Thus the reader will see from the embodiment that the embodiment will, at least, significantly enhance the efficiency of any fireplace, chimney or smokestack while providing heat and/or energy to an entire premises or other habitable spaces rather than to just the area adjacent to the fireplace, chimney or smokestack.

While my above description contains many specificities, these should not be used as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, the embodiment can be in the form of many different shapes and sizes and may be used additionally to heat hot water for home heating, potable hot water usage and energy generation.

Accordingly the scope should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated but by the claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A furnace or other heat collection device comprised of:

a.) metal or other highly heat conductive material in the shape of a hollow walled oblong tube, circular tube, square tube, triangular tube, rectangular tube, polygonal tube or other shape, around and or through which hot air and gases rising from a fire pass, contacting all surfaces and heating the air contained within the hollow walls, and

b.) an air supply duct or tube forcing or drawing untreated air through the interior walls of the hollow walled furnace, and

c.) a hot air duct or tube providing an exit for heated clean air from the furnace directly to a heating system providing heat to habitable space.

2. The installation or insertion of the furnace in claim 1 in or above a new or existing fireplace, fireplace insert, wood or pellet burning stove, firebox, smoke chamber, flue, chimney or smokestack.

3. The furnace in claim 1, further including a temperature sensor integrated within the furnace in claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor provides temperatures of the furnace directly to and controlling a thermostat.

4. The furnace in claim 1, further including a thermostat controlled partially by the temperature sensor in claim 3, wherein the thermostat controls the switching functions between a primary or other heating system and the furnace contained in claim 1.

5. The process or method by which the furnace in claim 1 is connected directly to and switches between the primary or other heating system by means of a temperature sensor in claim 3, connected thermostat in claim 4, wherein the furnace in claim 1 provides heat to other habitable areas by means of a wood burning or other burning fire.

Whereby said device will collect heat rising from a traditional fireplace or smokestack for broader distribution throughout habitable space.