CATALYTIC UNIT FOR SOLID FUEL BURNING STOVES

Abstract

This invention describes a stove comprising a combustion chamber and a flue for removing exhaust from said combustion chamber, where said combustion chamber and said flue are connected via a passageway; said combustion chamber comprising a top and a bottom, where said top and said bottom are connected by one or more sides; a catalytic unit arranged between said combustion chamber and said flue in said passageway; said catalytic unit provides a guide way for the exhaust, where said catalytic unit comprises at least one isolating members and at least one catalytic member, said catalytic member comprising a first wave-like structure, said first wave-like structure being provided on at least one catalytic surface of said catalytic member and, in use, at least partly being in contact with the exhaust and, where, in use, the direction of the exhaust is substantially transverse to the waves of said first wave-like structure.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a solid fuel burning stove comprising a catalytic unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wood and coal burning stoves are employed for home heating and purposes such as cooking. However, especially the burning of wood often results in incomplete combustion and exhaust comprising a high amount of particles, volatile organic compounds and carbon monoxide, all of which are a hazard to the environment.

Furthermore, the incomplete combustion results in a loss of overall combustion efficiency.

In order to increase the combustion efficiency and minimize the pollution from the wood burning stove, the combustion temperature in the combustion chamber has been increased, and catalytic converters introduced into the stove.

EP0037281 describes a wood burning stove with a combustion chamber and a flue, where a catalytic converter is located either in said combustion chamber or in the flue. The catalytic converter comprises a plurality of catalytic cells with a length oriented in the direction of the flow. The catalytic converter is a honeycomb structure with a plurality of mutually parallel cells extending through the structure.

EP0354674 discloses a wood burning stove with a catalytic cell for reducing exhaust emissions from the stove. The catalytic cell forms a secondary combustion chamber within the stove communicating with the primary combustion chamber. Hereby the exhaust from the primary combustion chamber is catalytically combusted in the secondary combustion chamber.

WO85/02455 discloses an insulated secondary combustion chamber where a mixture of exhaust gasses from the primary combustion chamber is burned. The secondary combustion chamber can be retrofitted on existing wood burning stoves. The retrofitted apparatus is formed as a heat exchanger with a first and second passageway, where the heat exchanger has an undulating shape for better heat exchange. Insulating material is provided along one side of the first and second passageway, respectively. A perforated catalytic igniter is provided in the lower portion.

However, in order to achieve the most powerful reduction of pollutants from stoves, it is important to optimise the catalytic unit with regard to temperature and catalytic power.

Additionally, the catalytic unit is to be designed in a manner which results in a minimal pressure drop when the exhaust passes through the catalytic unit. If the pressure drop is too large, the combustion in the combustion chamber will be insufficient and result for example in a large amount of particles.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a stove having an alternative catalytic unit for effectively minimising the exhaust of particles, carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile organic compounds (VOC), hereby increasing the overall combustion efficiency and decreasing the negative effects on human health and the environment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This object is achieved by a stove comprising

• • a combustion chamber and a flue for removing exhaust from said combustion chamber, where said combustion chamber and said flue are connected via a passageway;
  • said combustion chamber comprising a top and a bottom, where said top and said bottom are connected by one or more sides;
  • a catalytic unit arranged between said combustion chamber and said flue in said passageway;
  • said catalytic unit provides a guide way for the exhaust, where said catalytic unit comprises at least two isolating members and at least one catalytic member,
  • said catalytic member comprising a first wave-like structure, said first wave-like structure being provided on at least one catalytic surface of said catalytic member and, in use, at least partly being in contact with the exhaust and, where, in use, the direction of the exhaust is substantially transverse to the waves of said first wave-like structure.

In one embodiment, the stove is a solid fuel burning stove. The solid fuel burning stove is to be understood as a stove capable of burning for example wood and coal. The wood and coal are burned in a combustion chamber releasing exhaust, which is transported to the outside of a building by a flue. The exhaust is transported via a passageway from the combustion chamber to the flue.

The passageway can be either just a connection or a secondary chamber for heat exchange and/or secondary combustion of the particles present in the exhaust. The passageway may also be a combination of both a connection and a secondary chamber.

By “heat exchange” is meant that the heat from the exhaust is transmitted to the surroundings, whereby the temperature of the exhaust from the fuel is decreased.

The combustion chamber comprises a top and a bottom, which are connected via one or more sides. Solid fuel is arranged at the bottom of the combustion chamber for burning. The exhaust obtained during burning exits the combustion chamber through an opening in the combustion chamber, preferable in the top or next to the top of the combustion chamber.

A catalytic unit is arranged in the passageway for boosting the oxidation of compounds in the exhaust from the combustion chamber. Hereby, the amount of particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon monoxide (CO) is decreased in the exhaust.

In one embodiment, the catalytic unit is arranged just after the combustion chamber, i.e. when the exhaust leaves the combustion chamber, it enters the catalytic unit. When the exhaust leaves the catalytic unit, it enters into the secondary chamber for maximal exploitation of the heat generated in both the combustion chamber and during the secondary combustion in the catalytic unit. From the secondary chamber, the exhaust is directed to the flue. Thus, the catalytic unit provides a guide way for the exhaust on its way from the combustion chamber to the flue.

In one embodiment, the catalytic unit is arranged in the secondary chamber of the stove. A secondary chamber is commonly present in multiple solid burning stoves, and the catalytic unit can be fitted into existing stoves without the necessity of redesigning presently known stoves.

In a further embodiment, the catalytic unit forms the secondary chamber of the stove.

In one embodiment, the catalytic unit can be retrofitted onto existing stoves.

In another embodiment, the catalytic unit is installed in newly produced stoves. In one embodiment, the catalytic unit comprises a catalytic member and at least two isolating members.

The catalytic member preferably operates at temperatures up to 1050° C. More preferably, the catalytic member operates at temperatures between 200° C. to 900° C. In another preferred embodiment, the catalytic member operates at temperatures between 200 and 350° C.

In order to maintain the temperature of the exhaust after exiting the combustion chamber, the catalytic unit further comprises at least one isolating member. Hereby, the temperature is kept in a range between 200 and 900° C.

By “at least one isolating member” is to be understood that the number of isolating members enclosing the catalytic member can be one, two, three, four, five, six etc members.

More than one isolating member can be engaged with one another in order to secure a high temperature close to the catalytic member and to form a catalytic unit, which forms a guide way for the exhaust.

In one embodiment, the guide way through the catalytic unit is a closed space except for an inlet opening and an outlet opening.

At least an inlet opening and an outlet opening is present in the catalytic unit for allowing the passage of exhaust into the catalytic unit and out of the catalytic unit. Hereby, the exhaust is able to come into contact with the catalytic surface of the catalytic member. Advantageously, the exhaust is able to come into contact with all catalytic surfaces of the catalytic member.

In one embodiment, the inlet opening and the outlet opening is one opening.

In one embodiment, the inlet opening is of a width similar to the width of the passageway. In a further embodiment, the outlet opening is of a width similar to the width of the passageway. In a further embodiment, the inlet opening and the outlet opening are of a width similar to the width of the passageway.

Isolating the catalytic unit along the flow direction of the exhaust by isolating members results in a minimal temperature loss over the catalytic unit. Thus, an optimal reaction temperature with regard to the catalytic process can be maintained i.e. between 200° C. and 900° C. Furthermore, a large pressure loss is prevented. Therefore, the exhaust easily exits the flue though the amount of particles, VOC and CO is diminished.

The catalytic member is provided with a first wave-like structure on at least one catalytic surface of the catalytic member.

As an example, the first wave-like structure can be a sinus-shaped curve having 5 cm between the first waves and a first wave-height of 1 cm.

In one embodiment, the distance between the first waves differs along the catalytic unit. In a further embodiment, the height of the first waves differs along the catalytic unit. In a still further embodiment, both the distance between the first waves and the height of the first waves differ along the catalytic unit.

The first wave-like structure is arranged in a manner, whereby the intended travel direction of the exhaust is directed substantially transverse to the first waves. Hereby, turbulence is induced in the exhaust flow and the exhaust flow is continuously mixed, whereby the entire flow comes into contact with the catalytic member. Furthermore, the catalytic area is increased.

The intended travel direction of the exhaust is to be understood as the primary travel direction of the exhaust.

The design of the catalytic unit minimises the pressure drop between the air intake of the combustion chamber and the end of the flue. Preferably, the pressure drop over the catalytic unit is no different from the pressure drop over the secondary combustion chamber not including a catalytic unit.

In one embodiment, the catalytic unit is designed in a manner which allows a pressure drop between the combustion chamber and the end of the flue to be at a maximum of 12 Pa (static pressure) according to European standards (EN13240).

In one embodiment, the stove further comprises a blower in order to force convection. In this embodiment, the design of the catalytic unit can be more complex and hereby introduce a significant pressure drop.

The catalytic member can be arranged with regard to the isolating members by either resting the catalytic member against the surface of one of the isolating members or by small attaching means, where the attaching means are attached to both the catalytic member and to one or more isolating members. By using the small attaching means, a given distance between the isolating members and catalytic member can be maintained.

In an advantageous embodiment, said catalytic member is integrated in an exposed isolating surface of at least one isolating member. Hereby, is to be understood, that the catalytic member is part of at least one of the isolating members and that the oxidative boosting takes place at a surface of the isolating member, where the surface is exposed to the exhaust passing through the catalytic unit.

The catalytic member can be integrated only partly on the exposed surfaces of the isolating members. Hereby is to be understood that only parts of the exposed surface can be provided with the catalytic member.

By exposed isolating surface is to be understood the surface of the isolating member which faces the guide way for the exhaust and hereby is exposed at least partly to the exhaust passing through the catalytic unit.

In another embodiment, the catalytic member is only integrated with some of the exposed surfaces i.e. if the catalytic unit comprises two isolating members and two exposed isolating surfaces, the catalytic member is provided only on one of the exposed surfaces or if the catalytic unit comprises four isolating members and four exposed isolating surfaces, the catalytic member is provided only on one, two or three of the exposed surfaces.

In another embodiment, the catalytic member is integrated with all of the exposed isolating surfaces i.e. if the catalytic unit comprises two isolating members and two exposed isolating surfaces, the catalytic member is provided on both of the exposed isolating surfaces or if the catalytic unit comprises four isolating members and four exposed isolating surfaces, the catalytic member is provided on four exposed isolating surfaces.

In one embodiment, the catalytic member is formed by adding a metallic layer onto the exposed surface of the isolating member.

In an alternative embodiment, the exposed isolating surface is formed by providing the surface with a ceramic layer and a catalytic metal layer. Hereby, the catalytic surface area is increased due to the porous structure of the ceramic layer.

In a further advantageous embodiment, said catalytic unit comprises said catalytic member being surrounded by one isolating member.

In this embodiment, the isolating member is formed as a pipe or a tube, where the catalytic member can be arranged inside the tube. Since the isolating member is not to be assembled from more members the catalytic member is easily installed in the stove. Furthermore, no assemblies will be present and thus, the temperature of the catalytic unit can be kept at a high level to obtain optimal reduction of particles, VOC and CO.

Alternatively, the catalytic member can be an integrated part of the exposed surface of the isolating member.

In an advantageous embodiment, said exposed isolating surface of at least one isolating member facing said catalytic member comprises a second wave-like structure, where, in use, the direction of the exhaust is substantially transverse to the waves of said second wave-like structure.

The at least one isolating member comprises at least one isolating surface. One of the isolating surfaces faces the catalytic member and is thus, an exposed isolating surface. Between this exposed isolating surface and the surface of the catalytic member, the flow of exhaust moves.

The exposed isolating surface can comprise a second wave-like structure.

In one embodiment, the exposed isolating surface at least partly comprises a second wave-like structure.

As an example, the second wave-like structure can be a sinus-shaped curve having 5 cm between the second waves and a second wave-height of 1 cm.

In one embodiment, the distance between the second waves differs along the catalytic unit. In a further embodiment, the height of the second waves differs along the catalytic unit. In a still further embodiment, both the distance between the second waves and the height of the second waves differs along the catalytic unit.

The second wave-like structure is arranged in a manner, whereby the intended travel direction of the exhaust is directed substantially transverse to the second waves. Hereby, further turbulence is induced in the exhaust flow.

An increased number of collisions between CO, VOC, particles and oxygen at the surface of the catalytic member at a temperature between 200 and 900° C. in combination with only a minor pressure drop over the catalytic unit are obtained by providing the catalytic unit with both first and second wave-like structures. The concentration of the polluting components CO, VOC and particles are hereby efficiently decreased.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the mutual distance perpendicular to the intended travel direction of the exhaust is constant between said first and said second wave-like structures. Hereby, the flow of exhaust experiences turbulence and an increased surface area of the catalytic member along the flow path, but the pressure drop over the catalytic unit will only be minimal allowing an efficient flow of the exhaust through the catalytic unit and out the flue.

Arranging the catalytic member in the middle of the passageway will constantly force the exhaust through the catalytic member. Hereby the number of collisions and the reduction of emissions will be increased by only a minimal loss of pressure.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one isolating member forms at least a part of the top of the combustion chamber.

One of the isolating members or a part of one of the isolating members can be a part of the general insulation of the combustion chamber especially when the catalytic unit is arranged in direct connection to the combustion chamber. Hereby, less material is to be used for optimal insulation and combustion in the stove.

Furthermore, using an isolating member both as part of the combustion chamber as well as for the catalytic unit is less space demanding, which is advantageous especially for small stoves.

In a further advantageous embodiment, said stove further comprises an additional member, said additional member is arranged in said passageway, where said additional member extends said guide way for the exhaust and said additional member preferably is an additional isolating member.

Hereby, the travelling direction of the exhaust can be further rearranged in the passageway and an extended guide way through the passageway is formed. Thus, the duration of the exhaust being in the passageway is increased and hence the amount of particles, VOC and CO decreased.

In one embodiment, the additional member is made from isolating material. The isolating material can be the same as described below for the isolating members of the catalytic unit. Hereby, the high temperature between 200° C. and 900° C. of the exhaust is maintained and the combustion of the particles, VOC and CO is increased.

In a further embodiment, the material of the additional member is the same as for the isolating members.

In a further embodiment, said additional member is a plate-like member.

In a still further embodiment, the additional member is arranged in a first inclined position in the passageway in relation to the bottom of the combustion chamber maintaining the exhaust in the passageway for a longer time either forcing the exhaust downwards or just modifying the natural upwards movement of the exhaust.

The additional member can be arranged either before or after the catalytic unit in the passageway with regard to the travel direction of the exhaust.

In one embodiment, the additional member is a part of the catalytic unit.

In a further advantageous embodiment, said at least one isolating member comprises at least one end at at least one opening of the catalytic unit, where, in use, said exhaust enters and/or exits said catalytic unit and that at least one of said isolating member comprises a bent edge where the bent edge is formed at least partly along said at least one end of said isolating member.

To allow the inlet and outlet of the exhaust the catalytic unit is provided with at least one opening for the exhaust to enter into and out of the catalytic unit, the inlet and outlet opening, respectively.

In this embodiment, the at least one opening is provided at the end of the catalytic unit and thus, at the end of the at least one isolating member.

In one embodiment, the opening is both an inlet and an outlet opening for the exhaust.

In one embodiment, the bent edge is shaped to direct the flow of the exhaust towards the catalytic member and is thus formed at the inlet opening of the catalytic unit.

In one embodiment, the bent edge is arranged on the isolated member opposite of the isolating member facing the combustion chamber, and the bent edge is arranged next to the inlet of the catalytic unit. Thus, the bent edge prevents the exhaust from not entering the guide way through the catalytic unit. Hence, the connection between the catalytic unit and the combustion chamber is automatically generated by the bent edge.

Alternatively, the bent edge is formed at the outlet opening of the catalytic unit to direct the exhaust properly towards the flue.

The bent edge can be formed along the entire end of the isolating member or one or more bent edges can be formed along the end of the isolating member i.e. each bent edge only arranged along part of the end.

In a further advantageous embodiment, said catalytic member is a plate.

In a still further advantageous embodiment, the plate is arranged between by at least two isolating members, where at least one isolating member is arranged on either side of the catalytic member. Hereby, a thin catalytic unit can be achieved, which takes up only a minimal amount of space and still is provided with a large surface area.

Furthermore, a plate only introduces a minimal pressure drop across the catalytic unit.

In one embodiment, the thickness of the plate is preferably between 0.1 to 3 cm. In a further embodiment, the thickness of the plate is preferably between 0.5 and 2 cm. In a still further embodiment, the thickness of the plate is approximately 1 cm. In a still further embodiment, the thickness of the plate is preferably between 0.01 and 3 cm. In a still further embodiment, the thickness of the plate is preferably between 0.05 and 1 cm. In a still further embodiment, the thickness of the plate is preferably between 0.1 and 0.2 cm.

In a further advantageous embodiment, said catalytic member is a grid. Hereby, the total surface area of the catalytic member is enlarged, and thereby the capacity of the catalytic member for promoting reduction of particles, VOC and CO.

The first wave-like structure of the catalytic member introduces turbulence. Hence, the flow of exhaust is, besides continuously mixing the exhaust, also able to pass through the openings of the grid, and e.g. particles are thus capable of being transported by the exhaust on both sides of the catalytic member as well as from one side to the other side. Efficient contact is therefore established between the components of the exhausts and all surfaces of the grid.

Furthermore, introducing a grid as the catalytic member lowers the pressure drop across the catalytic unit.

In one embodiment, the grid is a plate.

Potentially the passage through the grid can be clogged up due to the particles in the exhaust. However, having both the first and second wave-like structures increases the turbulence of the exhaust to a degree, which reduces the risk of the grid being clogged up. Thus, the catalytic effect of the catalytic member can be exploited continuously without the risk of the grid clogging up whereby the catalytic effect would decrease or the guide way clog up whereby the exhaust would not be able to exit the combustion chamber.

In a further advantageous embodiment, said catalytic member is arranged between two isolating members. Hereby, is to be understood that the catalytic unit comprises two isolating members and one catalytic member, where the catalytic member is arranged between the two isolating members. In one embodiment, the isolating members are plate-like members, where the plate-like members comprises two ends each at the inlet and outlet opening of the catalytic unit, respectively. The isolating members further comprise two sides each, connecting the ends of the isolating members. Each of the plate-like members is arranged on either side of a catalytic member in the form of a plate i.e. the catalytic member is sandwiched between the two isolating members.

Advantageously, the catalytic member is a plate and a grid.

In a further advantageous embodiment, said exposed isolating surface on said at least one isolating member comprises at least one protruding portion.

By providing at least one protruding portion on the exposed isolating surface, a guide way is automatically created between isolating members. The size of the guide way can easily be changed by changing the size of the protruding portions. In one embodiment, the catalytic member is arranged in the guide way.

The top of the at least one protruding portion rests against the exposed isolating surface of the opposite arranged isolating member. Alternatively, the top of the at least one protruding portion arranged at a first isolating member can rest against the top of another protruding portion arranged at a second isolating member.

In a still further advantageous embodiment, said at least one isolating member comprises at least two ends at at least an inlet and an outlet opening of said catalytic unit, where, in use, said exhaust enters and exits said catalytic unit, said at least two ends is connected by at least two sides and where said at least one protruding portion is arranged along at least one of said sides of said isolating member.

To allow the inlet and outlet of the exhaust the catalytic unit is provided with an inlet and an outlet opening, respectively. In this embodiment, the at least one opening is provided at the end of the catalytic unit and thus, at the end of the at least one isolating member. The ends of the isolating members are connected by isolating sides to form the isolating member. Along at least part of the sides protruding portions can be provided.

A space will be formed between the isolating members when an isolating member engages with another isolating member for forming a catalytic unit if at least one side of one of the isolating members is provided with protruding portions. The exhaust travels through this space which forms a guide way for the exhaust.

In one embodiment, the catalytic unit comprises two isolating members where both members comprise protruding portions. The protruding portion of the first isolating member and the protruding portion of the second isolating member engage during the formation of a catalytic unit. Hereby, a space between the exposed isolating surfaces is created.

In one embodiment, the catalytic member can be retained between isolating members by being arranged between the protruding portions and hereby being retained in position within the catalytic unit.

In a further embodiment, the catalytic member is retained between the isolating members by being arranged between the protruding portions of one of the isolating members and the surface of the other isolating member where the two isolating members engage.

In a further embodiment, the catalytic member is arranged in a recess formed along the sides of at least one of the isolating members. Hereby, the engagement between the isolating members is not influenced by the fact that part of the catalytic member is present where the isolating members engage. Furthermore, the catalytic member is kept in place by engaging with the recess of the member.

In a further embodiment, the recess is provided in the at least one protruding portion in at least one of the isolating members.

In a further advantageous embodiment, said catalytic member is coated with at least one layer of metal; said metal is located on the surface of said catalytic member for reacting with particles in said exhaust. In a still further advantageous embodiment, said metal is palladium, platinum, cerium, rhodium, zinc, cupper or a mixture hereof.

Hereby is to be understood that the catalytic member can comprise one, two, three, four etc. layers of metal.

In one embodiment, the layer of metal fully coats the catalytic member.

In a further embodiment, the layer of metal partly coats the catalytic member.

By coating the entire surface of the catalytic member with at least one metal layer, the catalysing compound will be distributed over the entire surface of the catalytic member and will be as effective as possible.

The metal can be provided in combination with a ceramic monolith layer. The ceramic monolith is porous. Therefore, the ceramic monolith has a high surface area pr. volume upon which surface the metal can be coated. Hence, a large catalytic area can be obtained. Thus, using both ceramic monolith and metal increases the catalytic activity of the catalytic member.

In one embodiment, the catalytic member has a steel core, preferably of stainless steel, where the steel core is coated with a ceramic monolith layer comprising Al₂O₃ or SiO₂ and a metal layer.

In another embodiment, the catalytic member has a core of a ceramic monolith layer comprising Al₂O₃ or SiO₂.

As a catalytic material can be used precious metals such as platinum, palladium, rhodium or metal oxides of one or more of the following metals: chromium, iron, molybdenum, wolfram, manganese, cobalt, copper, nickel, zinc.

In a further advantageous embodiment, said catalytic unit is inclined relative to said bottom of the combustion chamber. Thus, the catalytic unit is arranged in a second inclined position in the passageway maintaining the exhaust in the catalytic unit for a longer time, either forcing the exhaust downwards or just modifying the natural upwards movement of the exhaust. The catalytic unit is inclined with a given angle relative to the bottom of the combustion chamber.

In a first embodiment, the angle is between 0-70°. In a second embodiment, the angle is between 0-60°. In a third embodiment, the angle is between 0-45°. In a fourth embodiment, the angle is between 1-70°. In a fifth embodiment, the angle is between 1-60°. In a sixth embodiment, the angle is between 1-45°. In a seventh embodiment, the angle is between 15-70°. In an eight embodiment, the angle is between 25-60°. In a ninth embodiment, the angle is between 35-45°.

In a further advantageous embodiment, said catalytic unit is downwardly inclined for forcing a downwardly movement of the exhaust. The free movement of the exhaust is upwards due to the temperature of the exhaust among other things. By forcing the direction of the exhaust to be downwards in an inclined angle, the exhaust is forced to flow in a direction different from the free movement. Thus, the exhaust will maintain in the catalytic unit for a longer time period whereby the secondary combustion will be increased and fewer particles, VOC and CO will be directed to the environment.

In one embodiment, the catalytic unit and the additional member are inclined relative to the bottom of the combustion chamber having a substantially similarly angle. Thus, the isolating members and the additional member are substantially parallel.

In a further advantageous embodiment, said isolating members are made of vermiculite. Vermiculite is a natural mineral that expands with the application of heat. Vermiculite is formed by weathering or hydrothermal alteration of biotite or phlogopite.

Vermiculite is a fire resistant material which can cope with high temperatures without being damaged and which in addition shows high isolating properties and non-reactivity against contents in the exhaust from solid fuel burning stoves.

Alternatively, Calcium Silicate, Perlite and moler earth (diatomaceous earth) can be used for the isolating members. All of which are fire resistant material which can cope with high temperatures as described for Vermiculite. Furthermore, these materials along with Vermiculite are of an insulating nature resulting in the isolating member being an insulating member as well. This further has the advantage that the exhaust travelling through the catalytic unit can be maintained in the high end of the temperature range. This results in combustion automatically along with combustion due to the catalytic member and the system is kept adiabatic. Furthermore, it results in the temperature range between 200° C. and 900° C. can be kept for a longer time period why the catalytic process can be maintained for a longer period of time. Thus, more efficient removal of CO, VOC and particles from the exhaust is achieved.

In a further advantageous embodiment, iron and iron alloys including steel, nickel, chromium, cobalt, molybdenum, titanium, wolfram, vanadium and other temperature resistant metals can be used for the isolating members as well as alloys comprising one or more of these metals. The advantages of these metals and the alloys to be used are that they can cope with high temperatures as well as they are relative easily shaped.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a catalytic unit;

FIG. 2 illustrates a solid fuel burning stove comprising a first embodiment of a catalytic unit;

FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up of the first embodiment of the catalytic unit as illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates a solid fuel burning stove comprising a second embodiment of a catalytic unit;

FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up of the second embodiment of the catalytic unit as illustrated in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 6 illustrates a solid fuel burning stove comprising a third embodiment of a catalytic unit;

FIG. 7 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a catalytic unit;

FIG. 8 illustrates a fifth embodiment of a catalytic unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a catalytic unit 101 comprising a catalytic member 103 and two isolating members 105.

The catalytic member 103 is shaped as a plate and comprises a first wave-like structure 107.

The two isolating members 105a,b are plate-like members and are arranged on either side of the catalytic member 103. The surface 104a,b of the isolating members 105a,b facing the catalytic member is provided with a second wave-like structure 109a,b. The two isolating members each comprise two ends 110a,b,c,d and two sides 108a,b,c,d.

Furthermore, one of the isolating members 105b comprises a bent edge 111 along the end of the isolating member 105b. The bent edge 111 secures the direction of the exhaust from the combustion chamber and into the space 113 between the two isolating members 105a,b as illustrated in FIG. 2. This isolating member 105b further comprises protruding portions 106, which rests against the other isolating member 105a, when the isolating members 105a,b are assembled to form a catalytic unit 101.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of a solid fuel burning stove 115 comprising a first embodiment of a catalytic unit 101. The catalytic unit 101 is arranged in the passageway 118 between the combustion chamber 117 and the flue 119. In this illustration, the intended travel direction of the exhaust 121 is shown for illustration purposes alone as a white band moving in the direction of the arrow. The exhaust 121 enters the catalytic unit 101 through the inlet opening 112 and exits through the outlet opening 114. For illustration purposes and in order to illustrate the inlet opening 112 the right side of the stove is removed in this figure.

The combustion chamber 117 comprises a top 123 and a bottom 122 connected by sides 124.

The exhaust 121 travels from the combustion chamber 117 to the catalytic unit 101, where the bent edge 111 of the catalytic unit 101 prevents the exhaust 121 from moving further up and directs the exhaust 121 in between the isolating members 105a,b for contact with the catalytic member before the exhaust 121 exits the catalytic unit 101 and travels towards the flue 119.

In this embodiment, one of the isolating members 105a forms the top 123 of the combustion chamber 117, as well as being an isolating member 105a of the catalytic unit 101.

A close-up of the first embodiment of the catalytic unit 101 in use is illustrated in FIG. 3 which is a close-up of the region defined by the circle A defined in FIG. 2.

In this close-up, it is illustrated how the catalytic member 103 is arranged between the two isolating members 105a,b, with the mutual distance 125 being constant between the first wave-like structure 107 and the second wave-like structure 109a,b i.e. that the top of the first waves correlates with the top of the second waves.

Furthermore, it is illustrated how the two isolating members 105a,b engage with one another at the sides of the catalytic unit 101 due to the protruding portion 106 of one of the isolating members 105b.

The close-up, furthermore, illustrates how the exhaust 121 is able to pass between the catalytic member 103 and the isolating members 105a,b on both sides of the catalytic member 10 i.e. both between the first isolating member 105a and the catalytic member 103 as well as between the second isolating member 105b and the catalytic member 103. In addition, the exhaust 121 is able to pass through the catalytic member 103. The catalytic member 103 can for example be a grid.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section of a solid fuel burning stove 215 comprising a second embodiment of a catalytic unit 201. The catalytic unit 201 is arranged between the combustion chamber 217 and the flue 219. In this illustration, the intended travel direction of the exhaust 221 is shown for illustration purposes alone as a white band moving in the direction of the arrow. For illustration purposes and in order to illustrate the inlet opening the right side of the stove is removed in this figure.

The exhaust 221 travels from the combustion chamber 217 to the catalytic unit 201, where the bent edge 211 of the catalytic unit 201 prevents the exhaust 221 from moving further up and directs the exhaust 221 in between the isolating members 205a,b for contact with the catalytic member 203.

In this embodiment, an additional member 227 is arranged after the catalytic unit 201 with regard to the travel direction of the exhaust forcing the exhaust 221 to travel in a space between the additional member 227 and one of the isolating members 205b before the exhaust 221 travels towards the flue 219.

Advantageously, the additional member 227 is an additional isolating member, in order to maintain a high temperature of the exhaust 221. Increasing the travelling path of the exhaust 221 through the catalytic unit 201 reduces the amount of particles CO and VOCs in the final exhaust 221 leaving the stove 215.

In this embodiment, one of the isolating members 205a forms the top 223 of the combustion chamber 217, as well as being an isolating member 205a of the catalytic unit 201.

A close-up of the second embodiment of the catalytic unit 201 in use is illustrated in FIG. 5 which is a close-up of the region defined by the circle B defined in FIG. 4.

In this close-up, it is illustrated how the catalytic member 203 is arranged between the two isolating members 205a,b, with the mutual distance 225 being constant between the first wave-like structure 207 and the second wave-like structure 209a,b, i.e. that the top of the first waves correlates with the top of the second waves.

The close-up illustrates how the exhaust 221 passes between the catalytic member 203 and the isolating members 205a,b. Furthermore, it is illustrated how the direction of the exhaust 221 is changed by the additional member 227 in the passageway 218. Hereby, the time spent by the exhaust 221 in the passageway 218 before it enters the flue is increased. Thus, the amount of particles VOC and CO in the exhaust 221 is reduced further before it exits the stove via the flue.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-section of a solid fuel burning stove 315 comprising a third embodiment of a catalytic unit 301. The catalytic unit 301 is arranged between the combustion chamber 317 and the flue 319. In this illustration, the intended travel direction of the exhaust 321 is shown for illustration purposes alone as a white band moving in the direction of the arrow.

In this embodiment, an additional member 327 is arranged in the passageway 318, where the additional member 327 is part of the top 323 of the combustion chamber 317. The exhaust 321 is forced downwards from the combustion chamber 317 between the additional member 327 and one of the isolating members 305b, before it interacts with the catalytic member 303 between the two isolating members 305a,b of the catalytic unit 301 and enters into the flue 319.

One of the isolating members 305b comprises a bent end 311. In this embodiment, the bent end 311 directs the exhaust 321 out of the catalytic unit 301 and towards the flue 319.

FIG. 7 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a catalytic unit 401 comprising a catalytic member 403 and two isolating members 405a,b.

The catalytic member 403 is integrated with the exposed isolating surface 404a of one of the isolating members 405a and comprises a first wave-like structure.

In a further embodiment, a catalytic member 403 can be provided on the exposed isolating surface 404b of the other isolating member 405b as well.

Furthermore, one of the isolating members 405b comprises a bent edge 411 along the end of the isolating member 405b. The isolating member 405b further comprises protruding portions 406, which rests against the other isolating member 405a, when the isolating members 405a,b are assembled to form a catalytic unit 401.

FIG. 8 illustrates a fifth embodiment of a catalytic unit 501 comprising a catalytic member 503 and one isolating member 505.

The catalytic member 503 is shaped as a plate and comprises a first wave-like structure. The isolating member 505 surrounds the catalytic member 503 but leaves an outlet and an inlet opening for the exhaust to enter and exit the catalytic unit 501.

Claims

1. A stove comprising

a combustion chamber and a flue for removing exhaust from said combustion chamber (117), where said combustion chamber and said flue are connected via a passageway;

said combustion chamber comprising a top and a bottom, where said top and said bottom are connected by one or more sides;

a catalytic unit arranged between said combustion chamber and said flue in said passageway;

said catalytic unit provides a guide way for the exhaust, where said catalytic unit comprises at least one isolating member and at least one catalytic member,

said catalytic member comprising a first wave-like structure, said first wave-like structure being provided on at least one catalytic surface of said catalytic member and, in use, at least partly being in contact with the exhaust and, where, in use, the direction of the exhaust is substantially transverse to the waves of said first wave-like structure.

2. The stove according to claim 1 wherein said catalytic member is integrated in an exposed isolating surface of at least one isolating member.

3. The stove according to claim 1 wherein said exposed isolating surface of at least one isolating member facing said catalytic member comprise a second wave-like structure, where, in use, the direction of the exhaust is substantially transverse to the waves of said second wave-like structure.

4. The stove according to claim 3 wherein the mutual distance perpendicular to the intended travel direction of the exhaust is constant between said first and said second wave-like structures.

5. The stove according to claim 1 wherein said at least one isolating member forms at least a part of said top of the combustion chamber.

6. The stove according to claim 1 wherein said stove further comprises an additional member, said additional member is arranged in said passageway, where said additional member extends said guide way for the exhaust and said additional member preferably is an additional isolating member.

7. The stove according to claim 1 wherein said at least one isolating member comprises at least one end at at least one opening of the catalytic unit, where, in use, said exhaust enters and/or exits said catalytic unit and that at least one of said isolating member comprises a bent edge where the bent edge is formed at least partly along said at least one end of said isolating member.

8. The stove according to claim 1 wherein said catalytic member is a plate.

9. The stove according to claim 1 wherein said catalytic member is a grid.

10. The stove according to claim 1 wherein said catalytic unit comprises two isolating members and one catalytic member, where said catalytic member is arranged between said two isolating members.

11. The stove according to claim 1 wherein said exposed isolating surface on said at least one isolating member comprises at least one protruding portion.

12. The stove according to claim 11 wherein said at least one isolating member comprises at least two ends at at least an inlet and an outlet opening of said catalytic unit, where, in use, said exhaust enters and exits said catalytic unit, said at least two ends is connected by at least two sides and where said at least one protruding portion is arranged along at least one of said sides of said isolating member.

13. The stove according to claim 1 wherein said catalytic member is coated with at least one layer of metal; said metal is located on the surface of said catalytic member for reacting with carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOC) and particles in said exhaust.

14. The stove according to claim 1 wherein said catalytic unit is inclined relative to said bottom of said combustion chamber.