CA1262846A - Fireplace heat absorbing and transmitting apparatus - Google Patents
Fireplace heat absorbing and transmitting apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA1262846A CA1262846A CA000495450A CA495450A CA1262846A CA 1262846 A CA1262846 A CA 1262846A CA 000495450 A CA000495450 A CA 000495450A CA 495450 A CA495450 A CA 495450A CA 1262846 A CA1262846 A CA 1262846A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- fireplace
- dwelling
- air
- heat
- firebox
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24B—DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES FOR SOLID FUELS; IMPLEMENTS FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH STOVES OR RANGES
- F24B1/00—Stoves or ranges
- F24B1/18—Stoves with open fires, e.g. fireplaces
- F24B1/185—Stoves with open fires, e.g. fireplaces with air-handling means, heat exchange means, or additional provisions for convection heating ; Controlling combustion
- F24B1/188—Stoves with open fires, e.g. fireplaces with air-handling means, heat exchange means, or additional provisions for convection heating ; Controlling combustion characterised by use of heat exchange means , e.g. using a particular heat exchange medium, e.g. oil, gas
- F24B1/1885—Stoves with open fires, e.g. fireplaces with air-handling means, heat exchange means, or additional provisions for convection heating ; Controlling combustion characterised by use of heat exchange means , e.g. using a particular heat exchange medium, e.g. oil, gas the heat exchange medium being air only
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Air Supply (AREA)
Abstract
FIREPLACE HEAT ABSORBING AND
TRANSMITTING APPARATUS
ABSTRACT
This invention is directed to a novel appara-tus which can be mounted above the firebox of a conven-tional fireplace in a dwelling for the purpose of extracting heat from hot flue gas emitted by fuel burned in the fireplace and utilizing the extracted heat to warm air which is transmitted into the room in which the fireplace is located. An apparatus for use in associ-ation with a fireplace located in a dwelling, the fire-place being constructed of a firebox and a chimney connected with the firebox comprising: (a) passage means associated with the apparatus for enabling hot flue gas generated by fuel burned in the firebox to pass proximate to the apparatus before passing up the chim-ney; (b) means enclosing at least a part of the passage means (a) adapted for extracting heat from the hot flue gas as it passes upwardly through means (a); (c) means associated with partial enclosing means (b) for enabling ambient air to be drawn exterior to the dwelling in which the fireplace and chimney are located into the enclosing means (b); and (d) means associated with partial enclosing means (b) for enabling air heated in the enclosing means (b) by heat exchange with the hot flue gases to be conveyed to the interior of the dwelling.
TRANSMITTING APPARATUS
ABSTRACT
This invention is directed to a novel appara-tus which can be mounted above the firebox of a conven-tional fireplace in a dwelling for the purpose of extracting heat from hot flue gas emitted by fuel burned in the fireplace and utilizing the extracted heat to warm air which is transmitted into the room in which the fireplace is located. An apparatus for use in associ-ation with a fireplace located in a dwelling, the fire-place being constructed of a firebox and a chimney connected with the firebox comprising: (a) passage means associated with the apparatus for enabling hot flue gas generated by fuel burned in the firebox to pass proximate to the apparatus before passing up the chim-ney; (b) means enclosing at least a part of the passage means (a) adapted for extracting heat from the hot flue gas as it passes upwardly through means (a); (c) means associated with partial enclosing means (b) for enabling ambient air to be drawn exterior to the dwelling in which the fireplace and chimney are located into the enclosing means (b); and (d) means associated with partial enclosing means (b) for enabling air heated in the enclosing means (b) by heat exchange with the hot flue gases to be conveyed to the interior of the dwelling.
Description
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FIREPLACE HEAT ABSORBING AND
TRANSMITTING APPARATUS
F ELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to a novel appara-tus which can be mounted above the firebox of a conven-tional fireplace in a dwelling for the purpose of extracting heat from hot flue gas emitted by fuel burned in the fireplace and utili~ing the extracted heat to warm air which is transmitted into the room in which the fireplace is located.
BACRGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the cost of heating of dwellings by burning oil or using electricity and as a result, dwelling occupants have sought less expensive alternative heating methods. Many dwellings have traditional brick fire-places in the living rooms or dens. Occupants have utilized such fireplaces as supplemental heat sources.
Hiowever, the fireplaces are not a viable alternative because they inefficiently allow most of the heat generated to escape up the chimney along with the flue gas.
~5 A large number of innovations have been made to improve the efficiency of the conven-tional fireplace.
These include various types of metal inserts, convection .
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grates, and the like. Many new homes have installed in them metal fireboxes and chimneys rather than tradi-tional brick fireboxes and chimneys. These new heat conserving metal fireboxes are usually equipped with glass front doors, or the like, which shield the occu-pants of the room from the Eire in the firebox. While such systems are more efficient i.n that they extract more of the heat from the burning fuel, they reduce the romance and aesthetics associated with the crackling sound of the burning fuel, the visual e~fects and radiant heat of the fire in the fireplace.
Another disadvantage with these new heat conserving systems is that they are difficult to clean and, when they are equipped with glass doors, the doors become fogged and dirty, thereby reducing visibility.
The applicant is aware of the following refer-ences which disclose various fireplace conservation apparatus or systems:
Vnited States Patent No. Inventor Issue Date 3,888,231 Galluzzo June 10, 1975 3,998,203 Jensen 4,010,728 Hempel March 8, 1977 4,141j336 Fitch February 27, 1979 4,147,153 Buckner April 3, 1979 4,169,458 Shaw 4,349,009 Patterson Septe~ber 14, lg82 4,280,474 Ruegg July 28, 1981 4,224,921 Petresque
FIREPLACE HEAT ABSORBING AND
TRANSMITTING APPARATUS
F ELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to a novel appara-tus which can be mounted above the firebox of a conven-tional fireplace in a dwelling for the purpose of extracting heat from hot flue gas emitted by fuel burned in the fireplace and utili~ing the extracted heat to warm air which is transmitted into the room in which the fireplace is located.
BACRGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the cost of heating of dwellings by burning oil or using electricity and as a result, dwelling occupants have sought less expensive alternative heating methods. Many dwellings have traditional brick fire-places in the living rooms or dens. Occupants have utilized such fireplaces as supplemental heat sources.
Hiowever, the fireplaces are not a viable alternative because they inefficiently allow most of the heat generated to escape up the chimney along with the flue gas.
~5 A large number of innovations have been made to improve the efficiency of the conven-tional fireplace.
These include various types of metal inserts, convection .
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grates, and the like. Many new homes have installed in them metal fireboxes and chimneys rather than tradi-tional brick fireboxes and chimneys. These new heat conserving metal fireboxes are usually equipped with glass front doors, or the like, which shield the occu-pants of the room from the Eire in the firebox. While such systems are more efficient i.n that they extract more of the heat from the burning fuel, they reduce the romance and aesthetics associated with the crackling sound of the burning fuel, the visual e~fects and radiant heat of the fire in the fireplace.
Another disadvantage with these new heat conserving systems is that they are difficult to clean and, when they are equipped with glass doors, the doors become fogged and dirty, thereby reducing visibility.
The applicant is aware of the following refer-ences which disclose various fireplace conservation apparatus or systems:
Vnited States Patent No. Inventor Issue Date 3,888,231 Galluzzo June 10, 1975 3,998,203 Jensen 4,010,728 Hempel March 8, 1977 4,141j336 Fitch February 27, 1979 4,147,153 Buckner April 3, 1979 4,169,458 Shaw 4,349,009 Patterson Septe~ber 14, lg82 4,280,474 Ruegg July 28, 1981 4,224,921 Petresque
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`, ,' ~ ', SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to a novel appara-tus which is used in association with a fireplace within a dwelling, the fireplace being constructed of a firebox and a chimney mounted above and connected to the fire-box. The novel apparatus functions as a heat exchanger and includes therein an enclosed interior vertical passageway whereby the hot Elue gases generated by the fuel burning in the firebox pass upwardly through the passageway before entering the chimney. The heat exchanger includes a communicating means to draw ambient air from outside the dwelling into the heat exchanger.
As the hot flue gases pass through the interior of the heat exchanger, the apparatus extracts heat therafrom and transfers the heat to the ambient outside air. The warmed air is then delivered into the interior of the dwelling by communicating means connected with the apparatus.
An advanta~e of the apparatus is that it is located above the firebox and is hidden from view. It therefore does not detrimentally affect the appearance of the fireplace.
An apparatus for use in association with a fireplace located in a dwelling, the fireplace being constructed of a firebox and a chimney connected with the firebox comprising: ~a) passage means associated with the apparatus for enabling hot flue gas generated
`, ,' ~ ', SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to a novel appara-tus which is used in association with a fireplace within a dwelling, the fireplace being constructed of a firebox and a chimney mounted above and connected to the fire-box. The novel apparatus functions as a heat exchanger and includes therein an enclosed interior vertical passageway whereby the hot Elue gases generated by the fuel burning in the firebox pass upwardly through the passageway before entering the chimney. The heat exchanger includes a communicating means to draw ambient air from outside the dwelling into the heat exchanger.
As the hot flue gases pass through the interior of the heat exchanger, the apparatus extracts heat therafrom and transfers the heat to the ambient outside air. The warmed air is then delivered into the interior of the dwelling by communicating means connected with the apparatus.
An advanta~e of the apparatus is that it is located above the firebox and is hidden from view. It therefore does not detrimentally affect the appearance of the fireplace.
An apparatus for use in association with a fireplace located in a dwelling, the fireplace being constructed of a firebox and a chimney connected with the firebox comprising: ~a) passage means associated with the apparatus for enabling hot flue gas generated
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by fuel burned in the firebox to pass proximate to the apparatus before passing up the chimney; (b) means enclosing at least a part of the passage means (a) adapted for extracting heat from the hot flue gas as it passes upwardly through means (a); (c) means associated with partial enclosing means (b) for enabling ambient air to be drawn exterior to the clwelling in which the fireplace and chimney are located into the enclosing means (b); and (d) means associated with partial enclos-10 ing means (b) for enabling air heated in the enclosing means (b) by heat exchange with the hot flue gases to be conveyed to the interior of the dwelling.
The heat exchanger may have a plurality of annularly disposed walls with air heating chambers 15 between each wall and communicating with each other.
The heat exchanger may also be equipped with a dampening means which is located in association with the enclosing means and which is adjustable from the inside of the dwelling.
In the apparatus, the enclosing means may enclose all four sides. The heat exchanger is typically constructed of a heat transmitting jacket which is impermeable to flue gases. There may be three jackets annularly arranged with respect to one another.
DRAWINGS
In the drawings which disclose an embodiment of the inven-tion:
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.
Figure 1 illustrates a side partially~
sectional view of the fire box and chimney and the heat exchanger which is mounted above the firebox;
Figure 2 illustrates a frontal perspective view of the heat exchanger;
Figure 3 illustrates a top sectional view of the heat exchanger taken along section line A-A of Figure l; and Figure 4 illustrates a side sectional view of the heat exchanger taken along section line B-B of Figure 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ONE
EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
.
Figure 1 illustrates a side section view of a conventional fireplace with firebox and chimney. The fireplace 2 is connected to a chimney or flue 4 at its top region. The fireplace heat exchanger 6 is posi-tioned at the location w~ere the firebox 8 of the fire-place 2 connects with the chimney 4. Fire brick 10 linas the back and sides of the firebox 8. When viewed from the front, the heat exchanger 6 is mounted behind the brick fireplace front 11 and is not visible. Thus it does not destroy or reduce the aesthetics of the fireplace 2.
The lnterior of the heat exchanger 6 is hollow, and permits hot gases generated by fuel burning in the firebox 8 to pass upwardly through the interior .... ..
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thereof and up the chimney 4 by means of flue exhaust 18 located at the top of the heat exchanger 6. The rate of passage of flue gases up the chimney 4 is controlled by means of butterfly damper 12, the rotational position of which can be manually regulated from the front of the fireplace 2 by means of damper control 14. Damper control 14 extends from the dampe!r 12 through the brick fireplace front 11. A hot air outlet 1~ extends from the upper front area of the heat exchanger 6 and through brick fireplace front 11. The outlet 16 permits warmed air to be emitted into the interior of the dwelling in which the fireplace 2 and heat exchanger 6 are located.
Outside air is drawn in from outside the dwelling through fresh air intake 20, which at one end is connected to the rear outside of the fireplace 2 and at the opposite end is connected with the rear side of the heat exchanger 6. The outside air is drawn in by means of a fresh air suction fan 22. A weather pro-tector 21 protects the exterior end of the intake 20 from weather and small birds, rodents and insects. The operation of fresh air suction fan 22 is regulated by means of a thermostat which is located in the interior of the dwelling in which the fireplace is located, as will be explained in more detail later.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the heat exchanger 6. The heat exchanger 6 lS typically constructed with four walls or skins 7 in the form of a ~, ' :'' 3~
truncated pyramid, although other shapes are possible if required to fit the space between the firebox and the chimney of any particular fireplaceO The flue exhaust connection 18 is located at the t:op of the heat ex-changer 6 and communicates directly with the chimney 4.The hot air outlet 16, which deli.vers the warmed outside air to the interior of the dwelling, is located in the upper region of the front face of the heat exchanger 6.
A skirt 24 surrounds the base of the heat exchanger 6.
As seen in Figure 1, the skirt 24 enables the heat exchanger 6 to be sealed into the masonry at the top of the brick liner 10 at the rear of the fireplace, and the masonry of the brick fireplace front 11. The seal pro-vided by skirt 24 ensures that hot gases generated by fuel burned in the firebox do not circumvent the heat exchanger 6 but are forced to pass through the hollow interior of the heat ex~hanger 6. If required, mortar containing insulation material, eg. vermiculite or the like, can be poured over the exchanger 6:after it is installed in order to improve heat transfer efficiency~
Figure 3 illustrates a top section view taken along section line A-A of Figure 1 of the construction of the triple-jacket heat exchanger 6, showing the interior skin 2~, the intermediate skin 30, and the exterior skin 7. The wavy arrows on Figure 3 denote the flow pattern of the air as it travels from the outside through fresh air intake 20, past fan 22, and then into ' !
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the outer chamber formed between the exterior skin 7 and the intermediate skin 30. Subsequently, after passing through the outer chamber, the air proceeds in reverse fashion through the interior chamber formed between the intermediate skin 30 and the interior skin 28. Ulti-mately, the air is conveyed over the top areas of the heat exchanger 6 through hot air outlet 16 (see Figures 1 and 2). In other words, the outside air whlch is drawn in through fresh air intake 20 by means of fan 22, is forced to travel virtually twice through the outer and inner chambers of the heat exchanger 6, before the air is emitted into the interior of the residence through hot air outlet 16. Thus, when hot flue gases generated by fuel being burned in the fireplace pass upwardly through the interior of the heat exchanger 6, an effective heat exchange takes place whereby heat drawn from the hot flue gases is transmitted through the walls of interior skin 28 and intermediate skin 30, and warms the air passing through the interior chambers created by the three skins. The outside air is there-fore effectively warmed before it is passed into the interior of the residence through outlet 16. In this way, a considerable amount of the heat which is present in the flue gas is salvaged and used to heat air which is drawn in from the outside of the residence.
Figure 4 illustrates in detail by means of a side section view taken along section line B-B of Figure .
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:: , - ;~, 3, the construction of the heat exchanger 6. As can be seen in Figure 4, the heat exchanger 6 is constructed so that it has an exterior wall or skin 7, an interior skin 28, and an intermediate skin 30, spatially arranged between outer skin 7 and inner skin 28. These skins are typically constructed of heavy gauge steel. The three skins provide a triple jacket configuration with pa,s-sages between the three separate skins. The dual pas-sages permit air to be circulated twice through the interior of the heat exchanger 6 after it is has been drawn initially into the interior of the heat exchanger 6 by means of fresh air intake 20 and fresh air suction fan 22. As mentioned previously, hot flue gases from the firebox below the heat exchanger 6 pass upwardly through the interior of the heat exchanger 6, ie. within the interior passage ~ormed by interior skin 28, the rate of passage of such gases up the chimney being controlled by butterfly damper 12 and manual damper control 14. In addition to damper 12 and control 14, Figure 4 illustrates an automatic butterfly shut-off -damper 26 which is located in the interior of the hot air outlet 16 at the front upper region of the heat exchanger ~. This damper 26 i5 regulated automatically by means oE a thermostat (not shown~ which is appropri-ately positioned in the outlet 16 or in the interior of the room in which the fireplace is located. The thermo-stat and the damper 26 operate in the following manner.
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When the fireplace i5 not in operation, and the weather outside the residence is cold, the thermostat will ensure that shut-off damper 26 i3 in a fully closed position, ie. vertical, so that cold air is prevented from seeping into the residence from outside. ~owever, when the fireplace is in operation, the thermostat will automatically open damper 26 a certain required amount so as to permit warmed outside air to be transmitted into the interior of the residence. If desirable, the thermostat can also be connected to fan 22 so that air is pumped from outside as required.
Figure 4 also illustrates an optional feature which can be included in the system. Brackets 32 can be mounted laterally across the interior of the heat ex-changer 6 and can be used to support a series of fireresistant bricks 34. The ends of the interior passage are left open to enable hot flue gases to pass at the ends of the bricks 34. The purpose of the bricks is to absorb some of the heat from the hot flue gases for heat storage purposes or reflect some of the heat do~n into the firebox 8 where it is dispensed into the room.
Fresh air suction fan 22, and automatic shut-off damper 26 are automatically controlled to ensure that outside air is not permitted to enter the interior of the dwelling unless the air is of at least room temperature. Thus, on cold days, it is not possible for outside air at temperatures lower than room temperature ~ ~, .: . ~ - , - ~ .
8 L~ ~ j to be drawn into the interior of the dwelling through heat exchanger 6. However, when the fireplace is in operation, and the outside air being drawn in through fresh air intake 20 is properly warmed, fan 22 and damper 26 automatically begin to operate so that warmed air is transmitted into the interior of the dwelling through hot air outlet 16. The advantage of the heat exchanger 6 is that it enables a larger quotient of heat to be extracted from the burning log or fuel in the fireplace, not only by means of radiation and conduction from the glowing log, but also by means of extraction of heat from the generated flue gas which normally passes up the chimney. Another advantage of the heat exchanger 6 is that only fresh air is emitted into the interior of the dwelling through hot air outlet 16. At no time, nor at any location, does an interchange of hot flue gas take place or mingle with the air being drawn through fresh air inlet 20. Thus, no noxious gases such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and the like, can mingle with the air which is drawn in and circulated through the interior of the heat exhanger 6 before being emitted into the interior of the dwelling through outlet 16.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the :
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spirit or scope thereof~ Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance de:Eined by the following claims.
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by fuel burned in the firebox to pass proximate to the apparatus before passing up the chimney; (b) means enclosing at least a part of the passage means (a) adapted for extracting heat from the hot flue gas as it passes upwardly through means (a); (c) means associated with partial enclosing means (b) for enabling ambient air to be drawn exterior to the clwelling in which the fireplace and chimney are located into the enclosing means (b); and (d) means associated with partial enclos-10 ing means (b) for enabling air heated in the enclosing means (b) by heat exchange with the hot flue gases to be conveyed to the interior of the dwelling.
The heat exchanger may have a plurality of annularly disposed walls with air heating chambers 15 between each wall and communicating with each other.
The heat exchanger may also be equipped with a dampening means which is located in association with the enclosing means and which is adjustable from the inside of the dwelling.
In the apparatus, the enclosing means may enclose all four sides. The heat exchanger is typically constructed of a heat transmitting jacket which is impermeable to flue gases. There may be three jackets annularly arranged with respect to one another.
DRAWINGS
In the drawings which disclose an embodiment of the inven-tion:
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, , . . .
.
Figure 1 illustrates a side partially~
sectional view of the fire box and chimney and the heat exchanger which is mounted above the firebox;
Figure 2 illustrates a frontal perspective view of the heat exchanger;
Figure 3 illustrates a top sectional view of the heat exchanger taken along section line A-A of Figure l; and Figure 4 illustrates a side sectional view of the heat exchanger taken along section line B-B of Figure 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ONE
EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
.
Figure 1 illustrates a side section view of a conventional fireplace with firebox and chimney. The fireplace 2 is connected to a chimney or flue 4 at its top region. The fireplace heat exchanger 6 is posi-tioned at the location w~ere the firebox 8 of the fire-place 2 connects with the chimney 4. Fire brick 10 linas the back and sides of the firebox 8. When viewed from the front, the heat exchanger 6 is mounted behind the brick fireplace front 11 and is not visible. Thus it does not destroy or reduce the aesthetics of the fireplace 2.
The lnterior of the heat exchanger 6 is hollow, and permits hot gases generated by fuel burning in the firebox 8 to pass upwardly through the interior .... ..
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thereof and up the chimney 4 by means of flue exhaust 18 located at the top of the heat exchanger 6. The rate of passage of flue gases up the chimney 4 is controlled by means of butterfly damper 12, the rotational position of which can be manually regulated from the front of the fireplace 2 by means of damper control 14. Damper control 14 extends from the dampe!r 12 through the brick fireplace front 11. A hot air outlet 1~ extends from the upper front area of the heat exchanger 6 and through brick fireplace front 11. The outlet 16 permits warmed air to be emitted into the interior of the dwelling in which the fireplace 2 and heat exchanger 6 are located.
Outside air is drawn in from outside the dwelling through fresh air intake 20, which at one end is connected to the rear outside of the fireplace 2 and at the opposite end is connected with the rear side of the heat exchanger 6. The outside air is drawn in by means of a fresh air suction fan 22. A weather pro-tector 21 protects the exterior end of the intake 20 from weather and small birds, rodents and insects. The operation of fresh air suction fan 22 is regulated by means of a thermostat which is located in the interior of the dwelling in which the fireplace is located, as will be explained in more detail later.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the heat exchanger 6. The heat exchanger 6 lS typically constructed with four walls or skins 7 in the form of a ~, ' :'' 3~
truncated pyramid, although other shapes are possible if required to fit the space between the firebox and the chimney of any particular fireplaceO The flue exhaust connection 18 is located at the t:op of the heat ex-changer 6 and communicates directly with the chimney 4.The hot air outlet 16, which deli.vers the warmed outside air to the interior of the dwelling, is located in the upper region of the front face of the heat exchanger 6.
A skirt 24 surrounds the base of the heat exchanger 6.
As seen in Figure 1, the skirt 24 enables the heat exchanger 6 to be sealed into the masonry at the top of the brick liner 10 at the rear of the fireplace, and the masonry of the brick fireplace front 11. The seal pro-vided by skirt 24 ensures that hot gases generated by fuel burned in the firebox do not circumvent the heat exchanger 6 but are forced to pass through the hollow interior of the heat ex~hanger 6. If required, mortar containing insulation material, eg. vermiculite or the like, can be poured over the exchanger 6:after it is installed in order to improve heat transfer efficiency~
Figure 3 illustrates a top section view taken along section line A-A of Figure 1 of the construction of the triple-jacket heat exchanger 6, showing the interior skin 2~, the intermediate skin 30, and the exterior skin 7. The wavy arrows on Figure 3 denote the flow pattern of the air as it travels from the outside through fresh air intake 20, past fan 22, and then into ' !
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the outer chamber formed between the exterior skin 7 and the intermediate skin 30. Subsequently, after passing through the outer chamber, the air proceeds in reverse fashion through the interior chamber formed between the intermediate skin 30 and the interior skin 28. Ulti-mately, the air is conveyed over the top areas of the heat exchanger 6 through hot air outlet 16 (see Figures 1 and 2). In other words, the outside air whlch is drawn in through fresh air intake 20 by means of fan 22, is forced to travel virtually twice through the outer and inner chambers of the heat exchanger 6, before the air is emitted into the interior of the residence through hot air outlet 16. Thus, when hot flue gases generated by fuel being burned in the fireplace pass upwardly through the interior of the heat exchanger 6, an effective heat exchange takes place whereby heat drawn from the hot flue gases is transmitted through the walls of interior skin 28 and intermediate skin 30, and warms the air passing through the interior chambers created by the three skins. The outside air is there-fore effectively warmed before it is passed into the interior of the residence through outlet 16. In this way, a considerable amount of the heat which is present in the flue gas is salvaged and used to heat air which is drawn in from the outside of the residence.
Figure 4 illustrates in detail by means of a side section view taken along section line B-B of Figure .
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:: , - ;~, 3, the construction of the heat exchanger 6. As can be seen in Figure 4, the heat exchanger 6 is constructed so that it has an exterior wall or skin 7, an interior skin 28, and an intermediate skin 30, spatially arranged between outer skin 7 and inner skin 28. These skins are typically constructed of heavy gauge steel. The three skins provide a triple jacket configuration with pa,s-sages between the three separate skins. The dual pas-sages permit air to be circulated twice through the interior of the heat exchanger 6 after it is has been drawn initially into the interior of the heat exchanger 6 by means of fresh air intake 20 and fresh air suction fan 22. As mentioned previously, hot flue gases from the firebox below the heat exchanger 6 pass upwardly through the interior of the heat exchanger 6, ie. within the interior passage ~ormed by interior skin 28, the rate of passage of such gases up the chimney being controlled by butterfly damper 12 and manual damper control 14. In addition to damper 12 and control 14, Figure 4 illustrates an automatic butterfly shut-off -damper 26 which is located in the interior of the hot air outlet 16 at the front upper region of the heat exchanger ~. This damper 26 i5 regulated automatically by means oE a thermostat (not shown~ which is appropri-ately positioned in the outlet 16 or in the interior of the room in which the fireplace is located. The thermo-stat and the damper 26 operate in the following manner.
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When the fireplace i5 not in operation, and the weather outside the residence is cold, the thermostat will ensure that shut-off damper 26 i3 in a fully closed position, ie. vertical, so that cold air is prevented from seeping into the residence from outside. ~owever, when the fireplace is in operation, the thermostat will automatically open damper 26 a certain required amount so as to permit warmed outside air to be transmitted into the interior of the residence. If desirable, the thermostat can also be connected to fan 22 so that air is pumped from outside as required.
Figure 4 also illustrates an optional feature which can be included in the system. Brackets 32 can be mounted laterally across the interior of the heat ex-changer 6 and can be used to support a series of fireresistant bricks 34. The ends of the interior passage are left open to enable hot flue gases to pass at the ends of the bricks 34. The purpose of the bricks is to absorb some of the heat from the hot flue gases for heat storage purposes or reflect some of the heat do~n into the firebox 8 where it is dispensed into the room.
Fresh air suction fan 22, and automatic shut-off damper 26 are automatically controlled to ensure that outside air is not permitted to enter the interior of the dwelling unless the air is of at least room temperature. Thus, on cold days, it is not possible for outside air at temperatures lower than room temperature ~ ~, .: . ~ - , - ~ .
8 L~ ~ j to be drawn into the interior of the dwelling through heat exchanger 6. However, when the fireplace is in operation, and the outside air being drawn in through fresh air intake 20 is properly warmed, fan 22 and damper 26 automatically begin to operate so that warmed air is transmitted into the interior of the dwelling through hot air outlet 16. The advantage of the heat exchanger 6 is that it enables a larger quotient of heat to be extracted from the burning log or fuel in the fireplace, not only by means of radiation and conduction from the glowing log, but also by means of extraction of heat from the generated flue gas which normally passes up the chimney. Another advantage of the heat exchanger 6 is that only fresh air is emitted into the interior of the dwelling through hot air outlet 16. At no time, nor at any location, does an interchange of hot flue gas take place or mingle with the air being drawn through fresh air inlet 20. Thus, no noxious gases such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and the like, can mingle with the air which is drawn in and circulated through the interior of the heat exhanger 6 before being emitted into the interior of the dwelling through outlet 16.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the :
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spirit or scope thereof~ Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance de:Eined by the following claims.
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Claims (11)
1. An apparatus for use in association with a fireplace located in a dwelling, the apparatus being constructed of a firebox and a chimney connected with the firebox comprising:
(a) passage means mounted above the firebox associated with the apparatus for enabling hot flue gas generated by fuel burned in the firebox to pass proximate to the apparatus before passing up the chimney;
(b) means enclosing at least a part of the passage means (a) adapted for extracting heat through its sidewall from the hot flue gas as it passes upwardly through means (a), said means not traversing the flow of flue gas;
(c) means associated with partial enclosing means (b) for enabling ambient air to be drawn exterior to the dwelling in which the fireplace and chimney are located into the enclosing means (b); and (d) means associated with partial enclosing means (b) for enabling air heated in the enclosing means (b) by heat exchange with the hot flue gases to be conveyed to the interior of the dwelling.
(a) passage means mounted above the firebox associated with the apparatus for enabling hot flue gas generated by fuel burned in the firebox to pass proximate to the apparatus before passing up the chimney;
(b) means enclosing at least a part of the passage means (a) adapted for extracting heat through its sidewall from the hot flue gas as it passes upwardly through means (a), said means not traversing the flow of flue gas;
(c) means associated with partial enclosing means (b) for enabling ambient air to be drawn exterior to the dwelling in which the fireplace and chimney are located into the enclosing means (b); and (d) means associated with partial enclosing means (b) for enabling air heated in the enclosing means (b) by heat exchange with the hot flue gases to be conveyed to the interior of the dwelling.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein means (b) encloses the passage means (a) on four sides so that passage means (a) represents a hollow passage through means (b).
3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein partial enclosing means (b) is constructed of a plurality of annularly disposed walls with spaces between the walls, the spaces between the walls communicating with each other and being adapted to convey air received from means (c).
4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein an adjustable flue gas dampening means is located in association with passage means (a).
5. An apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the damper means is manually adjustable from inside the dwelling.
6. An apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein an air circulating fan is mounted in association with means (c).
7. An apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein means (b) is constructed of an exterior heat trans-mitting jacket which is impermeable to flue gases and air and an interior heat transmitting jacket which is impermeable to flue gases and air, the exterior and interior jackets forming a passageway through which air drawn from the exterior of the dwelling can pass and be warmed before being conveyed to the interior of the dwelling.
8. An apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein a middle heat transmitting jacket is located between the interior and exterior jacket to provide a system whereby air is conveyed through means (b) twice before being conveyed to means (d).
9. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein an adjustable dampening means is associated with air conveying means (d).
10. An apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein the dampening means is controlled by a thermostat.
11. An apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein a heat absorbing medium is positioned within the hollow passage.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000495450A CA1262846A (en) | 1985-11-15 | 1985-11-15 | Fireplace heat absorbing and transmitting apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000495450A CA1262846A (en) | 1985-11-15 | 1985-11-15 | Fireplace heat absorbing and transmitting apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1262846A true CA1262846A (en) | 1989-11-14 |
Family
ID=4131903
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000495450A Expired CA1262846A (en) | 1985-11-15 | 1985-11-15 | Fireplace heat absorbing and transmitting apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1262846A (en) |
-
1985
- 1985-11-15 CA CA000495450A patent/CA1262846A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |