Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for combusting bridging fuel which includes biomass material. The apparatus includes an enclosure having a relatively thin wall defining a firebox. A combustion air manifold, and exhaust manifold, and heat exchanger are positioned along the center horizontal axis of the firebox. A fuel feed conveyor enters through the wall of the firebox and extends along the top of the firebox through a feed opening. A temperature sensor is positioned on the exterior of the wall of the firebox. A controller is operatively connected to the temperature sensor and the fuel feed conveyor. If the temperature sensor exceeds a set point, the controller automatically operates the fuel feed conveyor to refill the firebox with fuel. This can reinsulated the wall of the firebox so that fuel surrounds the combustion. Heat is extracted from the combustion by the heat exchanger while the exterior wall of the firebox is kept relatively cool by the insulating layer of fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for combusting bridging fuel which includes biomass material. The apparatus includes an enclosure having a relatively thin wall defining a firebox. A temperature sensor is positioned on the exterior of the wall of the firebox. A controller is operatively connected to the temperature sensor and the fuel feed conveyor. If the temperature sensor exceeds a set point, the controller automatically operates the fuel feed conveyor to refill the firebox with fuel, which reinsulates the wall of the firebox so that fuel surrounds the combustion. A method according to the invention causes a refilling of fuel into a firebox upon sensing a condition indicative of a collapse of the bridging fuel in the firebox during combustion, losing its insulating effect at that location. The refilling is adapted to reinsulate the firebox with the fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for combusting bridging fuel which includes biomass material. The apparatus includes an enclosure having a relatively thin wall defining a firebox. A combustion air manifold, and exhaust manifold, and heat exchanger are positioned along the center horizontal axis of the firebox. A fuel feed conveyor enters through the wall of the firebox and extends along the top of the firebox through a feed opening. A temperature sensor is positioned on the exterior of the wall of the firebox. A controller is operatively connected to the temperature sensor and the fuel feed conveyor. If the temperature sensor exceeds a set point, the controller automatically operates the fuel feed conveyor to refill the firebox with fuel. This can reinsulated the wall of the firebox so that fuel surrounds the combustion. Heat is extracted from the combustion by the heat exchanger while the exterior wall of the firebox is kept relatively cool by the insulating layer of fuel.