Abstract: A combustion device includes a combustion chamber with an outer wall enclosing a combustion space that can contain a fuel source on an adjustable fuel rack, side walls, a lower air jet tube and at least one air upper jet tube, a top opening, a grill top assembly to cover the opening, and a detachable power module. The power module can have batteries and a blower. The blower can force ambient air into a manifold, through the jet tubes, through ports in the jet tubes, and into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger includes a plurality of plates stacked so that a liquid flow passage is formed on the inside thereof, and a gas flow passage through which heating gas passes, the gas flow passage being formed between the plurality of plates and including a gas inflow opening portion and a gas outflow opening portion positioned on an opposite side to the gas inflow opening portion, wherein the gas outflow opening portion has a smaller opening area than the gas inflow opening portion. Thus, when the heating gas passes through the gas flow passage, even if the volumetric flow thereof decreases due to a reduction in temperature or condensation, a reduction in the flow velocity of the heating gas can be suppressed. Hence, a reduction in a heat transfer coefficient can be suppressed, leading to an improvement in heat transfer efficiency, and as a result, reductions in overall size, weight, and manufacturing cost can be achieved appropriately.

Abstract: A burner for use with an induced draft furnace and which satisfies reduced nitrous oxide (NOx) emission standards is disclosed. The burner may employ a mechanical swirler that introduces a rotational vector to the emitted air and fuel mixed by the burner. By introducing the rotational vector, the resulting flame is more stable and sustainable even with the relatively low air flow afforded by an induced system. Such flame stability can be enhanced by positioning the burner directly within an inlet to a heat exchanger and manufacturing the inlet with reception surfaces that form a frusto-conically shaped flame expansion zone. In doing so, a secondary source of air is avoided and NOx emissions are reduced.

Abstract: An air treatment module includes an air plenum, a heat exchanger tube and a bypass duct. The bypass duct has an inlet opening in flow communication with the air plenum in juxtaposition with a selected region of the heat exchanger and an outlet opening in flow communication with a zone of lower air pressure. The presence of the bypass duct improves air flow over the heat exchanger tube in the selected region.

Abstract: A furnace includes an induced draft blower; an inducer motor driving the induced draft blower; and a furnace control determining a modulation percentage, the furnace control controlling RPM of the inducer motor in response to the modulation percentage.

Abstract: A direct venting system for a free-standing propane powered refrigerator is disclosed. The direct venting system pre-installed on the refrigerator, the system having an air intake for drawing air from outside and directing the air to a burner box for combustion of the propane gas flame that runs the refrigerator, and an exhaust outlet for venting all of the flue gases or products of combustion out of the system with the system being hermetically sealed with respect to an interior environment within which the refrigerator is installed. The fresh air is directed to a burner box by means of a specially designed air inlet adapter that includes a step-down feature that reduces the likelihood of blow-out of the gas flame. The flue gases are directed through an offset chimney structure and a three-layered exhaust outlet that reduces the formation of condensate thereby protecting the system from blow-out and corrosion.

Abstract: A portable gas-fired heater comprising a housing, a burner assembly, and a carbon dioxide detector system. The housing is adapted to at least partially enclose a fuel source. The burner assembly is enclosed by the housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides woodstoves that, optionally, produce low emissions. In certain embodiments, the woodstove includes a housing, a firebox disposed in the housing, an air regulator and a secondary air pipe. The air regulator includes a primary air aperture configured to supply primary air to a fire located in the firebox, a plurality of secondary air apertures configured to supply secondary air to a combustible gas emitted by the fire, and a secondary air damper. The present disclosure also provides methods of operating such a woodstove. As measured according to Method 28 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the weighted average emission rate of the woodstove of certain embodiments of the invention is no greater than about 4.5 grams of particulate emissions per hour.

Abstract: A burner box for use in an air handling system. The burner box includes a main body having a top wall, a bottom wall, side walls extending between the top and bottom walls, and intermediate walls extending between the top and bottom walls and positioned between the side walls. An open upstream end of the main body is divided by the intermediate walls into a first bypass opening and a second bypass opening spaced from the first bypass opening by a burner opening. A direct fired burner is positioned in the main body between the intermediate walls and adjacent the burner opening such that air drawn into the main body through the burner opening is directed over the direct fired burner for heating. An electronic control system is operatively connected to the burner box and configured to maintain a constant pressure difference across the direct fired burner.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus allows fresh air to be introduced into a building through action of a special manifold which directs air entering the building through the furnace combustion feed tube to be introduced into the interior atmosphere of the building, while air from the interior of the building is directed to the furnace and ultimately exhausted to the exterior of the building.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) furnace has a venturi premixer and a disturber disposed downstream relative to the premixer and in an undivided output of the venturi premixer.

Abstract: A plate fin for a heat exchanger is provided including a base plate having a plurality of holes formed therein. The plate fin also includes a plurality of generally annular collars. Each collar is positioned substantially coaxially within one of the plurality of holes. The plurality of first collars is substantially less than the plurality of holes such that a portion of the plurality of holes does not have a collar arranged therein.

Abstract: A clamshell heat exchanger for use in a gas-fired direct combustion furnace. The exchanger comprises a first clamshell half and a second clamshell half that when joined with the first clamshell half forms a passageway having an inlet and an outlet. The passageway includes a U-bend located between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the U-bend includes a re-entrant sectional profile.

Abstract: The natural fuel heating system includes an elongate firebox covered by a cowling. The firebox includes means for accessing the interior thereof for fuel placement and vents at opposite ends. The cowling surrounds a majority of the firebox and forms an air circulating barrier between the firebox and the cowling. Outside air is introduced into the barrier through an intake shroud extending from the back of the firebox. The natural fuel heating system includes a heat exchange system for efficiently heating the cooler outside air circulating within the barrier. The heated air is drawn through an exhaust shroud extending from the air barrier into a building ventilation system to heat the building via natural thermal convection and negative air pressure caused by oxygen consumption from combustion within the firebox. A waste gas exhaust vent protrudes from the firebox to deliver harmful exhaust gas back outside.

Abstract: A fuel feed system for conveying particulate fuel from a hopper to a firebox in a stove is provided. The fuel feed system includes an inlet opening to receive particulate fuel and a fuel collection plate located below the inlet opening. A fuel passageway is located below the plate. The passageway includes a fuel delivery end located in a firebox and a fuel infeed end below the plate. A fuel delivery system moves fuel through the passageway from the infeed end to the delivery end. A motor actuates the fuel delivery system.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) furnace has a flat burner comprising an upstream side and a downstream side, the flat burner being configured to receive an air-fuel mixture therethrough, a first flow path located adjacent the flat burner and downstream relative to the flat burner, the first flow path configured to receive fluid exiting the flat burner, and a plurality of second flow paths located downstream relative to the first flow path, the plurality of second flow paths being configured to receive fluid from the first flow path.

Abstract: An adapter for controlling airflow between a first element and a second element in an air conditioning system is provided including a frame having a first frame piece and a second frame piece. A portion of the second frame piece overlaps the first frame piece. The second frame piece slides relative to the first frame piece making a dimension of the frame adjustable. An upper portion of the frame attaches about an end of the first element and a lower portion of the frame attaches about an end of the second element.

Abstract: A clamshell heat exchanger includes a first clamshell half and a second clamshell half. The first and second clamshell halves each include a through-hole therein. The first and second clamshell halves form a passageway, with a seal region located between portions of the passageway. A fastener is located within the first and second through-holes within the seal region. The fastener is configured to rigidly join the first clamshell half to the second clamshell half while allowing relative lateral motion between said first and said second clamshell halves.

Abstract: A burner assembly for a grain bin for heating air moving through the assembly to dry grain in the bin. The burner assembly has a collector adapted to receive fuel from a fuel line. A burner housing attaches to the collector receives fuel from the fuel line. A nozzle is secured to the burner. A flame diverter downstream from the burner housing diverts the flame outwardly from the burner nozzle toward the housing wall. A flame cone having a slope generally similar to the slope of the diverter is positioned near the burner to define a gap between the inside face of the diverter and the outer surface of the flame cone so as to provide a path for the burning fuel to travel from the burner outwardly toward the housing walls for a more complete combustion of the fuel.

Abstract: In a combustible energy recycling system and its method, the system includes an airtight incinerator body, a gas intake module and a blower. The incinerator body is filled with a combustible waste material, and the gas intake module installed in the incinerator body includes gas intake pipes, and one of the gas intake pipes is an ignition pipe for igniting the waste material in the incinerator body for a smoldering combustion, and an air outlet pipe of the blower is interconnected to the gas intake module for guiding outside air into the incinerator body, such that the outside air can move slowly upward with a high-temperature dense smoke produced in the smoldering combustion and surround every cross-section in the incinerator body for a uniform smoldering combustion, and a gas containing combustible energy in the dense smoke can be guided to a gas recycling mechanism for recycling and reusing the gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to 90% Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency gas or oil burning devices that depend on external air for combustion. More particularly it discloses an alternate intake apparatus for air for combustion that opens automatically when the inlet air conduit from outside is blocked or severely restricted.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus for killing pests in an affected area includes a fuel source, a first air inlet configured to receive a first air flow from the affected area, and a second air inlet configured to receive a second air flow from an unaffected area. The system further includes a premix system operable to generate an air-fuel mixture by mixing a fuel flow received from the fuel source with the second air flow received from the second air inlet. The system further includes a burner operable to generate combustion air by combusting the air-fuel mixture. The combustion air is mixed with the first air flow subsequent to combustion to generate a heated air flow, and the heated air flow is discharged into the affected area. The fuel source, the premix system, and the burner are configured for positioning in the affected area.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus for killing pests in an affected area includes a fuel source, a first air inlet configured to receive a first air flow from the affected area, and a second air inlet configured to receive a second air flow from an unaffected area. The system further includes a premix system operable to generate an air-fuel mixture by mixing a fuel flow received from the fuel source with the second air flow received from the second air inlet. The system further includes a burner operable to generate combustion air by combusting the air-fuel mixture. The combustion air is mixed with the first air flow subsequent to combustion to generate a heated air flow, and the heated air flow is discharged into the affected area. The fuel source, the premix system, and the burner are configured for positioning in the affected area.

Abstract: A pellet furnace includes a pellet feed assembly, a conveyor assembly, a combustion blower assembly, a baffle assembly, and a control system. The pellet feed assembly includes a distribution tray having a plurality of distribution pins for spreading a mass of pellets over a desired area. The conveyor assembly includes an air distribution plenum and a plurality of grate plates for maintaining a deposited mass of pellets and receiving air from air distribution plenum to facilitate primary combustion of the mass of pellets.

Abstract: Method of combusting hydrocarbon fuel to form combustion products low in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) and mixing the combustion products with additional air to provide a heated air stream suitable for heating enclosed spaces includes the following steps: (a) delivering a fuel stream to a burner assembly; (b) delivering a combustion air stream to the burner assembly; (c) combining the fuel and air streams within a combustion chamber and heat exchanger wherein the mixture is ignited, completely combusted, and the temperature of the products of combustion are reduced; (d) providing tempering air to the external side of the combustion chamber and heat exchanger to transfer heat away from the combustion gases to tempering air; (e) combining the partially heated tempering air and cooled combustion products low in NO2 and CO; and (f) discharging the mixture into a space to be heated.

Abstract: A method for operating a furnace system includes initiating a start sequence comprising starting an inducer fan operative to induce an air flow through a burner assembly, a heat exchanger portion and a collector portion, determining whether an air pressure in the collector portion is above a first threshold value, starting a furnace ignition sequence including providing fuel to the burner assembly, igniting a fuel and air mixture and starting an ignition timer responsive to determining that the air pressure in the collector portion is above the first threshold value, determining whether the ignition timer has expired, determining whether the air pressure in the collector portion is above a second threshold value responsive to determining that the ignition timer has expired, and stopping the provision of fuel to the burner assembly responsive to determining that the air pressure in the collector portion is not above the second threshold value.

Abstract: A portable gas-fired heater comprising a housing, a burner assembly, and a carbon dioxide detector system. The housing is adapted to at least partially enclose a fuel source. The burner assembly is enclosed by the housing.

Abstract: An integrated structure of an air heater includes at least an air blowing unit, at least an air passage housing, a heating arrangement, and a overheat protection unit, which are fastened with each other to form the integrated structure, wherein the air blowing unit and the overheat protection unit are respectively fastened with the air passage housing, and the air passage housing is connected to the heating arrangement with screws. A simple and compact integrated structure for air heater is provided wherein its assembling method is easy and its manufacturing cost is low.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of operating a regenerative burner in cycles, including a firing cycle in which fuel and combustion air are discharged from the burner into a process chamber, and a nonfiring cycle in which a quantity of gas is withdrawn from the process chamber through a regenerative bed associated with the burner. The method further includes steps of detecting and responding to a temperature that differs from a predetermined temperature at a location in the process chamber. In a first step of responding to the detected temperature, a flue damper system is operated to vary a flow of gas within the process chamber relative to the location of the detected temperature. A second step of responding to the detected temperature reduces the quantity of gas to be withdrawn from the process chamber through the regenerative bed in a subsequent nonfiring cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating device, in particular for mobile use, comprising a combustion chamber for reacting fuel with combustion air in order to release heat, a heat exchanger for transferring at least part of the released heat to a heating medium to be heated, a fuel conveying device for supplying fuel to the combustion chamber, a combustion air fan for supplying combustion air to the combustion chamber, a heating medium fan for supplying the heating medium to the heat exchanger, a common drive for the combustion air fan and the heating medium fan, at least one sensor for monitoring the mass flow of the heating medium, and a controller, which controls the fuel conveying device and the common drive. The controller is designed to change the ratio of the amount of the heating medium and the amount of the fuel supplied to the combustion chamber according to the mass flow of the heating medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hot-air furnace module having a furnace space, which is at least partially delimited by walls and is assigned an air-delivery device for producing an airstream and a heat-transfer device for heating the airstream. According to the invention, an incoming-air channel is provided, which is formed between the air-feed device and the furnace space for guiding the airstream delivered by the air-feed device and which is provided with first and second throttle means, which are arranged at a distance from one another in the direction of flow and are intended to even out the airstream before it flows through the furnace space. Furthermore, according to the invention a hot-air furnace is formed from hot-air furnace modules which are rotated through 180 degrees with respect to one another and are in communication with one another.

Abstract: A heating appliance including a burner and a heat exchanger including a bundle of heat conducting elements that form the primary channels through which the hot flue gases from the burner are guided via inputs that are opposite the burner, and which are connected together to close off the secondary channels that are formed between the aforementioned elements and through which the air to be heated can be guided. The burner is a premix burner that is positioned opposite the inputs of the primary channels, whereby the burner has a supply for a mixture of fuel and a sufficient quantity of air for the essentially complete combustion of the fuel, and whereby between the burner and the inputs of the primary channels there is a heat shield of a heat-resistant material with a passage opposite each of the aforementioned inputs.

Abstract: A side channel blower for a vehicle heater includes a blower housing area (14) with a delivery channel (18), which extends in a ring-shaped pattern around a central axis (A) and is open on an axial side (16). A motor housing area (26) integral with the blower housing area (14) accommodates an electric drive motor (30) with a drive shaft (36). A first delivery wheel covers the delivery channel on a first axial side of the blower housing area and is carried at a first end of the drive shaft. A control device housing area is integral with the blower housing area or/and the motor housing area and is provided with a circumferential wall and with a bottom wall and with an opening located opposite the bottom wall. A partial area of the bottom wall of the control device housing area is formed by the motor housing area.

Abstract: A method controls a modulating gas furnace by monitoring a differential pressure associated with the modulating gas furnace, learning an intermediate value associated with an intermediate capacity between a minimum output capacity of the gas furnace and a maximum output capacity of the gas furnace, learning one of a high value associated with the maximum output capacity and a low value associated with a minimum output capacity, establishing an estimated operating curve using either the intermediate value and the low value or using the intermediate value and the high value, and operating the gas furnace in accordance with the estimated operating curve.

Abstract: A method of controlling a blower motor in a furnace includes applying control signals to the blower motor; determining that a reference airflow through a portion of the furnace is present; determining a reference control signal at which the reference air flow is present; receiving a requested airflow; computing a requested control signal in response to the reference air flow, the reference control signal and the requested airflow; and using the requested control signal to control the blower motor.

Abstract: A furnace that includes a heater configured to heat a fluid and discharge a heated fluid flow, a first heat exchanger at least partially positioned in a air duct and in fluid communication with the heater to receive the heated fluid flow, and a second heat exchanger at least partially positioned in the air duct and in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger so that the heated fluid flow flows through the second heat exchanger after flowing through the first heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are arranged in the air duct so that the flow of air travels through the first heat exchanger to transfer heat between the heated fluid flow and the flow of air, and then through the second heat exchanger after the first heat exchanger to transfer heat between the heated fluid flow and the flow of air.

Abstract: A burner for use with an induced draft furnace and which satisfies reduced nitrous oxide (NOx) emission standards is disclosed. The burner may employ a mechanical swirler that introduces a rotational vector to the emitted air and fuel mixed by the burner. By introducing the rotational vector, the resulting flame is more stable and sustainable even with the relatively low air flow afforded by an induced system. Such flame stability can be enhanced by positioning the burner directly within an inlet to a heat exchanger and manufacturing the inlet with reception surfaces that form a frusto-conically shaped flame expansion zone. In doing so, a secondary source of air is avoided and NOx emissions are reduced.

Abstract: A wood burning furnace providing, in sequential connection, an air box, a fire box with a wood storage box/primary combustion chamber and a secondary combustion chamber separated by an ash grate, a heat exchanger, an exhaust manifold, and a smoke stack. The air box has an input port attached to an intake air blower. The air box also has two dampers, a thermostatically controlled first damper providing controlled access to an updraft exhaust pipe connected to the smoke stack. The second damper provides controlled access to the wood storage box/primary combustion chamber.

Abstract: A heater including a heat dump opening and a heat dump cover moveable between an open and a closed position to selectively block flow of fluid through the heat dump opening. The heat dump opening is formed in the top of the housing, and the heat dump cover is biased toward the open position. The cover moves to an open position in response to a sensed preselected limit temperature to vent excessively heated air to ambient to prevent damage to the heater and a duct system and a building to which the heater may be connected. Air escaping the heater via the heat dump opening may cause replacement air to be drawn into the heater to cool the heater, including electrical components of the heater located near an inlet and an outlet of the heater.

Abstract: A furnace includes an induced draft blower; an inducer motor driving the induced draft blower; and a furnace control determining a modulation percentage, the furnace control controlling RPM of the inducer motor in response to the modulation percentage.

Abstract: Air conditioning units packaged with condensing gas heat exchangers where condensate from the heat exchanger passes through the inducer fan, into an exhaust conduit, and out of the unit enclosure, and methods that reduce consumption of fossil fuels using air conditioning units with condensing gas heat exchangers by advertising that the units can be installed on the roof of a building or at ground level. Some embodiments include a drain hole extending through a collector attached to the heat exchanger to the inlet of the inducer fan. In some embodiments, a bifurcation in the exhaust conduit separates condensate from most combustion gasses. Some embodiments discharge condensate into a vertical standpipe in the ground that may extend below the frost line. Various methods include instructing an installer of the units regarding how to install the units and dispose of condensate into the ground or through a drain line into the building.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling air characteristics for storage facilities. A controller and temperature sensors can detect an external temperature and compare it to a reference temperature. Depending on the relationship between the external temperature and the reference temperature (e.g. warmer or colder) the controller can initiate a burner, open an air intake, and operate fans to achieve desirable conditions within the facility efficiently.

Abstract: Provided is a forced air heater. The forced air heater may comprise a housing defining a duct. The duct may be adapted for a flow of fluid therethrough. The heater may be adapted to provide a flow of fluid through the duct that is substantially laminar or transient.

Abstract: A warm air furnace capable of reliably carrying out a fuel consumption conserving operation regardless of a heating load is equipped with an ecology operation setting unit for setting a saving operation function and a moderate operation function. The saving operation function makes a target temperature setting unit decrease a target temperature by a first predetermined temperature after a lapse of a predetermined time after a room temperature reaches the target temperature. The moderate operation function limits a target combustion amount when the room temperature is higher than the target temperature by a second predetermined temperature or more. An eco-operation switch is capable of turning the ecology operation setting unit on and off.

Abstract: A drain pipe 54 includes an upper end portion 54a which is connected to a concave 38a of a leading end 38 of an exhaust tube 34, and a lower end portion 54b which is opened to the inside of a warm air furnace below the concave 38a. The lower end portion 54b is formed as a tubular portion where a membrane is formed at a plane orthogonal to an axis line 54d by a surface tension of a drain. A leading end 54e of the tubular portion is formed as an opening 54f with an area large enough such that the membrane is not generated by the surface tension of the drain.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing including a first side having a first opening and a second side having a second opening. At least one fan creates an airflow through the housing between the first opening and the second opening. A motor activates the at least one fan to create the airflow. A control mechanism controls the motor. A mounting for the housing enables the apparatus to direct the airflow about an air conversion device, thereby increasing an efficiency of the air conversion device.

Abstract: A dual fuel vent free gas heater having at least one gas burner with a plurality of gas outlet ports in an upper surface thereof. The gas outlet ports are in flow communication with at least one pilot flame burner. An adjustable fuel injector or at least two fuel injectors feed fuel to the burner providing for introduction of more than one fuel to the burner. Optionally, an oxygen detection system, manual fuel selection control valve, and/or temperature shut off control system may be incorporated into the dual fuel vent free heater.

Abstract: A dual fuel vent free gas heater having at least one gas burner with a plurality of gas outlet ports. The gas outlet ports are in flow communication with at least one pilot flame burner. At least one fuel injector feeds fuel to the burner providing for introduction of more than one fuel to the burner. Optionally, an oxygen detection system, manual control valve, linkage, and/or shut off control system may be incorporated into the dual fuel vent free heater.

Abstract: A vent system for improving the efficiency and/or reducing emissions of a combustion device is disclosed. The vent system may include an outer pipe and an inner pipe having a longitudinal section that is permeable to water or water vapor and is longitudinally disposed within the outer pipe. The inner pipe defines a first passageway and the outer and inner pipes define a second passageway therebetween. As the moisture and/or heat are transferred from the flue gas to the intake air through the longitudinal section of the inner pipe, the efficiency of the furnace may be improved and the NOx emission of the furnace may be reduced.

Abstract: A heater including a heat dump opening and a heat dump cover moveable between an open and a closed position to selectively block flow of fluid through the heat dump opening. The heat dump opening is formed in the top of the housing, and the heat dump cover is biased toward the open position. The cover moves to an open position in response to a sensed preselected limit temperature to vent excessively heated air to ambient to prevent damage to the heater and a duct system and a building to which the heater may be connected. Air escaping the heater via the heat dump opening may cause replacement air to be drawn into the heater to cool the heater, including electrical components of the heater located near an inlet and an outlet of the heater.