US20080160894A1 - Partitioned chimney cap and fireplace venting system - Google Patents
Partitioned chimney cap and fireplace venting system Download PDFInfo
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- US20080160894A1 US20080160894A1 US11/863,553 US86355307A US2008160894A1 US 20080160894 A1 US20080160894 A1 US 20080160894A1 US 86355307 A US86355307 A US 86355307A US 2008160894 A1 US2008160894 A1 US 2008160894A1
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- Prior art keywords
- aperture
- cavity
- disposed
- combustion
- fireplace
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23L—SUPPLYING AIR OR NON-COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS OR GASES TO COMBUSTION APPARATUS IN GENERAL ; VALVES OR DAMPERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CONTROLLING AIR SUPPLY OR DRAUGHT IN COMBUSTION APPARATUS; INDUCING DRAUGHT IN COMBUSTION APPARATUS; TOPS FOR CHIMNEYS OR VENTILATING SHAFTS; TERMINALS FOR FLUES
- F23L17/00—Inducing draught; Tops for chimneys or ventilating shafts; Terminals for flues
- F23L17/02—Tops for chimneys or ventilating shafts; Terminals for flues
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23J—REMOVAL OR TREATMENT OF COMBUSTION PRODUCTS OR COMBUSTION RESIDUES; FLUES
- F23J13/00—Fittings for chimneys or flues
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- 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
- F24B1/1808—Simulated fireplaces
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23J—REMOVAL OR TREATMENT OF COMBUSTION PRODUCTS OR COMBUSTION RESIDUES; FLUES
- F23J2211/00—Flue gas duct systems
- F23J2211/10—Balanced flues (combining air supply and flue gas exhaust)
Abstract
A fireplace chimney cap includes a body having first and second apertures in fluid communication defining a first cavity therebetween. The first cavity is configured and disposed to receive combustion air through the first aperture, then through the second aperture for delivery to a fireplace combustion chamber. The body has third and fourth apertures in fluid communication defining a second cavity therebetween. The second cavity is configured and disposed to receive combustion gases from the fireplace combustion chamber through the third aperture, then through the fourth aperture for exhausting exterior of the body. The first and second cavities are fluidly separated from each other. The first and fourth apertures are configured and disposed to provide a pitot effect to more readily draw both combustion air into the first cavity and combustion gases into the second cavity in response to the first aperture disposed upwind and fourth aperture position disposed downwind.
Description
- This Application is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 11/618,756, filed Dec. 30, 2006, Attorney Docket No. 2006-030, entitled “FIREPLACE HEAT EXCHANGER” and which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- The present invention relates generally to fireplace accessories and, more particularly, to a fireplace chimney cap adaptable to a wide array of fireplace sizes and useful for improving the heating efficiency of a fireplace.
- Conventional fireplaces are inefficient sources of heat for the room in which they are located as the majority of the heat generated by the combustion process escapes through the chimney. Fireplace fires also require large volumes of combustion air, which if drawn from the interior space of the room, result in significant heat loss from the room as heated room air is also exhausted through the chimney. Cold air drafts in the interior space also result since the heat loss through the chimney causes cold air to be drawn in from the outside through door and window openings.
- In an effort to increase the efficiency of fireplaces, fireplace inserts have been used. These devices generally comprise a large metal box situated within the fireplace and extending into the room in which the fireplace is located. Wood or other fuel is burned within the large metal box, which has openings for supplying combustion air and for expelling combustion gases to the chimney. Room air circulated within the large metal box is heated and returned to the room without commingling with the combustion air stream. While such inserts have been designed to retain the visual appeal and rustic charm of an open flame, their heat transfer efficiency is limited, allowing substantial amounts of energy to be exhausted through the chimney to the outside.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,357,930 and its progeny disclose a fireplace heating system for heating the room air incorporating a compact heat exchanger mounted at the top portion of the combustion chamber of the fireplace and extending across the location where the chimney flue connects with the top portion of the combustion chamber. A conventional fireplace door may be used to prevent room air from being exhausted through the chimney and isolate hotter portions of the fire from accidental contact by room occupants. A fan is provided for circulating room air through the heat exchanger in a manner so that the hot combustion gases heat up the room air being circulated therethrough without commingling. The design of the compact heat exchanger directs hot combustion gases through tortuous pathways to increase heat transfer; the complex design of the pathways results in increased fabrication costs for the heat exchanger assembly compared to more conventional heat exchange methods.
- It would be desirable to provide an improved fireplace heating and venting system suitable for use in existing or newly constructed fireplaces that further increases thermal efficiency of a fireplace, reduces the amount of heat energy exhausted through the chimney flue, generating reduced levels of noise during operation and that can be economically fabricated from inexpensive, yet durable materials.
- The present invention relates to a fireplace chimney cap including a body having a first aperture and a second aperture in fluid communication defining a first cavity therebetween. The first cavity is configured and disposed to receive combustion air through the first aperture and then through the second aperture for delivery to a fireplace combustion chamber. The body further has a third aperture and a fourth aperture in fluid communication defining a second cavity therebetween. The second cavity is configured and disposed to receive combustion gases from the fireplace combustion chamber through the third aperture and then through the fourth aperture for exhausting exterior of the body. The first and second cavities are fluidly separated from each other. The opposed first and third apertures are configured and disposed to provide a pivot effect to more readily draw both combustion air into the first cavity and combustion gases into the second cavity in response to the first aperture disposed upwind and fourth aperture disposed downwind.
- The present invention additionally relates to a fireplace chimney cap including a body having a first aperture and a second aperture in fluid communication defining a first cavity therebetween. The first cavity is configured and disposed to receive combustion air through the first aperture and then through the second aperture for delivery to a fireplace combustion chamber. The body further has a third aperture and a fourth aperture in fluid communication defining a second cavity therebetween. The second cavity is configured and disposed to receive combustion gases from the fireplace combustion chamber through the third aperture and then through the fourth aperture for exhausting exterior of the body. The first and second cavities are fluidly separated from each other and first aperture is disposed upwind and fourth aperture is disposed downwind.
- The present invention further relates to a method of installing a fireplace chimney cap to a chimney flue. The steps include providing a body having a first aperture and a second aperture in fluid communication defining a first cavity therebetween. The first cavity is configured and disposed to receive combustion air through the first aperture and then through the second aperture for delivery to a fireplace combustion chamber. The body further has a third aperture and a fourth aperture in fluid communication defining a second cavity therebetween. The second cavity is configured and disposed to receive combustion gases from the fireplace combustion chamber through the third aperture and then through the fourth aperture for exhausting exterior of the body, the first and second cavities fluidly separated from each other. The method further includes selectably installing a blower in at least one of the first and second cavity. The method further includes securing the body to a chimney flue with the first aperture facing a predetermined wind direction thereby establishing a pivot effect to more readily draw both combustion air into the first cavity and combustion gases into the second cavity.
- The present invention yet further relates to a fireplace venting system including a heat exchanger assembly having a combustion chamber, a chimney flue having an opening connected to a top portion of the combustion chamber, a heat source disposed within the combustion chamber for producing hot gases in response to combustion, a front opening, and a fire screen assembly or the like for closing the front opening to separate the combustion chamber from an area to be heated. The heat exchanger assembly includes a baffle for sealing the chimney opening, the baffle having at least one flue opening for exhausting combustion gases into the chimney flue and at least one combustion air supply opening for receiving combustion air into the combustion chamber. At least one elongated heat exchanger core has an outer hollow member with opposing combustion gas inlet and outlet ends separated by an outer member length, and an inner hollow member disposed within and generally coextensive with the outer hollow member forming an annular passageway therebetween. The inner hollow member has a medium inlet end and a medium outlet end, and further defining an interior passageway for a heat transfer medium flowing generally from the medium inlet end toward the medium outlet end. At least a portion of combustion gas flow within the annular passageway is generally in a counter-flow heat exchange relationship with the medium flow within the inner hollow member. The annular passageway receives combustion gases from the combustion chamber at the gas inlet end and discharging combustion gases from the gas outlet end. At least one nozzle disk is configured and disposed in the annular passageway to induce a swirling flow pattern of the combustion gases about the inner hollow member generally between the combustion gas inlet and outlet ends. A supply conduit is in flow communication with the medium inlet end for directing a flow of the heat transfer medium toward the medium inlet end of the inner hollow member. A return conduit is in flow communication with the medium outlet end for receiving the heat transfer medium from the medium outlet end of the inner hollow member. A fireplace chimney cap includes a body having a first aperture and a second aperture in fluid communication defining a first cavity therebetween. The first cavity is configured and disposed to receive combustion air through the first aperture and then through the second aperture for delivery to the fireplace combustion chamber. The body further has a third aperture and a fourth aperture in fluid communication defining a second cavity therebetween. The second cavity is configured and disposed to receive combustion gases from the fireplace combustion chamber through the third aperture and then through the fourth aperture for exhausting exterior of the body. The first and second cavities are fluidly separated from each other. The opposed first and third apertures are configured and disposed to provide a pivot effect to more readily draw both outside air into the first cavity and flue gas into the second cavity in response to the first aperture disposed upwind and fourth aperture disposed downwind.
- An advantage of the present invention is a fan/motor arrangement for drawing air through the chimney flue to the combustion chamber of a fireplace system and for drawing combustion gases from the combustion chamber through the chimney flue, which arrangement operating at a substantially reduced noise level as measured adjacent to the combustion chamber.
- A further advantage of the present invention is a fireplace chimney cap that provides a pivot effect which improves operational efficiency associated with movement of combustion air and combustion gases through the fireplace system.
- A still further advantage of the present invention is a blower fan/motor arrangement for drawing combustion gases from the combustion chamber through the chimney flue of a fireplace system, which system will operate at a substantially reduced noise level.
- A yet further advantage of the present invention is a blower fan arrangement making possible a chimney of significantly reduced height. In one embodiment, ranch style residential dwellings may be constructed without requiring disproportionably high chimneys. Architects may then incorporate workable masonry fireplaces in their designs, such as a top floor in a dwelling having vista living/den rooms or bed room.
- Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fireplace venting system of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fireplace of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2A is an exploded view of the fireplace ofFIG. 2 of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway view taken along line 3-3 ofFIG. 2 of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 4 is a partial cutaway view taken along line 4-4 ofFIG. 2 of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 5 is a partial cutaway view taken along line 5-5 ofFIG. 2 of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 6 is a partial cutaway view taken along line 6-6 ofFIG. 2 of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 6A is a partial cutaway view taken along line 6-6 ofFIG. 2 of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 7 is a partial cutaway view taken along line 7-7 ofFIG. 1 of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 7A is an elevation view of an alternate embodiment ofFIG. 7 of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 8 is a cross-section taken along line 8-8 ofFIG. 1 of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 9 is an embodiment of a nozzle disk ofFIG. 2 of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 10 is a partial cross-section taken along line 10-10 ofFIG. 9 of the present disclosure. - Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
- In
FIGS. 1 , 2 and 2A, there is shown a perspective view (and an exploded perspective view inFIG. 2A ) of afireplace 5 comprising acombustion chamber 10 having a front opening 12 (FIG. 2 ), aback wall 14, a pair ofside walls 16, ahearth 18, and achimney 21 including achimney flue 20 connected to the top portion of thecombustion chamber 10 by a throat orchimney opening 19.Combustion gases 37 produced incombustion chamber 10 are discharged through thechimney flue 20 by way of the throat orchimney opening 19, and then through achimney cap 102. In one embodiment,fireplace venting system 3 conveys relatively cold outside air orcombustion air 35 throughchimney cap 102 and then throughchimney flue 20 tocombustion chamber 10, as will be discussed in further detail below. -
FIGS. 1 and 2 further shows a suitable type ofgas log burner 30 for producing heat energy that is supplied with heating gas from an external source. Thesegas log burners 30 are well known in the art and various suitable alternate types may be employed. Also provided is aconventional fireplace screen 24, which closes and substantially sealsfront opening 12, thereby separatingcombustion chamber 10 from a room or area to be heated byfireplace 5. In one embodiment,fireplace screen 24 includes glass doors or other substantially optically transparent structure that allow room or area occupants to observe the combustion flames and that may be opened to access thecombustion chamber 10 or for cleaning the fire screen assembly. However,fireplace screen 24 also includes translucent or opaque constructions in alternate embodiments. - In one embodiment,
combustion air 35 enterscombustion chamber 10 via a pair ofconduits 31 adjacent to and is supplied togas log burner 30.Conduits 31 are controllably spaced adjacent to supplyconduit 80 and abovehearth 18 byclamps 39 secured inside walls 16. When the fireplace is not used for extended period of time, such as during the summer months, clamps 39 are loosened and the ends ofconduits 31 are directed towardhearth 18. When the ends ofconduits 31 are brought into abutment withhearth 18, access tocombustion chamber 10 throughconduits 31 is substantially blocked, preventing insect access into the dwelling through the chimney. In one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 3 ,end portions 41 ofconduits 31 are angled towardback wall 14 andhearth 18 to provide a swirling movement ofcombustion air 35 withincombustion chamber 10. Thehot combustion gases 37 produced bygas log burner 30 will flow upwardly from the location of the burner combustion immediately above thehearth 18, which upwardly flowing gases being confined by back andside walls fireplace screen 24. Fireplace elements are well known in the art and are discussed extensively in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,357,930, 4,471,756, and 6,047,695, all by Eberhardt and which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. - In accordance with the invention, as shown in
FIGS. 2 , 2A and 4, there is provided aheat exchanger assembly 40 comprising one or more elongatedheat exchanger cores 42 and means for mounting the same withincombustion chamber 10, generally adjacent to backwall 14. In one embodiment,heat exchanger assembly 40 is substantially vertically oriented.Heat exchanger assembly 40 incorporates a plurality ofheat exchanger cores 42 to enable efficient thermal energy exchange between aheat transfer medium 52, such as room air, andcombustion gases 37 by virtue of non-mixing adjacent flow within theheat exchanger assembly 40. As shown inFIG. 1 ,flue baffle 22 is positioned to extend across the throat orchimney opening 19 in the top portion of thecombustion chamber 10 to seal the connection betweencombustion chamber 10 andchimney flue 20. At least oneflue opening 28 is provided inbaffle 22 to providecombustion gases 37, created when thegas log burner 30 is in operation, a controlled passage fromcombustion chamber 10 tochimney flue 20. In addition, as further shown inFIG. 1 , a pair of combustionair supply openings 29 formed inbaffle 22 provide a controlled passage ofcombustion air 35 drawn from exterior ofchimney cap 102 and directed withinchimney flue 20 to reachcombustion chamber 10, once the combustion air flows throughrespective conduits 31. - Elements of
heat exchanger assembly 40 may be held in position by anchoring tabs (not shown) secured directly into thewalls heat exchanger assembly 40 to be self-supporting within the fireplace, thereby eliminating the need to breach the interior walls of the fireplace with additional fasteners. The design of a free-standing support structure is ideally suited for retrofit applications and is, therefore, adjustable to suit a variety of fireplace sizes and configurations. Materials selected for support members, whether a free-standing frame or anchor tabs, are typically iron or steel and are selected for their durability when exposed to hot combustion gases in the fireplace and relatively low cost. However, support members may be composed of other suitable materials. - Referring now to
FIGS. 2-4 ,heat exchanger assembly 40 comprises sixheat exchanger cores 42 as configured for use in a typical fireplace. In one embodiment,cores 42 are generally straight between opposing ends, arranged generally parallel and generally vertically positioned adjacent theback wall 14 of thecombustion chamber 10. Eachheat exchanger core 42 includes an elongated innerhollow member 44 surrounded by a substantially coextensive outerhollow member 46 forming anannular passageway 48 therebetween. Bothhollow members combustion gases 37 and the heat transfer medium 52 (air in the embodiment described herein), though other shapes or other heat transfer mediums may be used with reasonable effectiveness. In one embodiment, each core 42 is configured to accept flow ofcombustion gases 37 andheat transfer medium 52 in a counter-flow arrangement, that is, the direction of flow ofheat transfer medium 52 in innerhollow member 44 is in a direction generally opposite of the flow ofcombustion gases 37 through the outerhollow member 46 for improved heat exchange performance therebetween. - As shown in
FIGS. 4 and 6 , theheat exchanger cores 42 are configured and disposed so that adjacent outerhollow members 46 abut each other along the longitudinal direction, or direction of elongated length. There are three pairs ofcores 42 in whichcombustion gases 37 flow in a downward helical direction throughannular passageway 48 of onecore 42. Upon reachingtransition region 61, the direction of flow ofcombustion gases 37 is reversed so that thecombustion gases 37 flow in an upward helical direction throughannular passageway 48 of theadjacent core 42 of the pair ofcores 42. The change in direction of combustion gases is shown inFIGS. 4 , 5 and 6A. - As previously discussed,
hot combustion gases 37 traveling within passageways 48 (FIGS. 4 and 6 ) ofheat exchanger cores 42 toward the bottom ofcombustion chamber 10 are redirected to flow withinpassageways 48 of adjacentheat exchanger cores 42 toward the top ofcombustion chamber 10. As further shown inFIGS. 1 , 2, 4 and 6A, once thecombustion gases 37 approach the top ofheat exchanger assembly 40,combustion gases 37 passing through combustion gas outlet opening 96 are directed inside aplenum 54 having avane 67.Vane 67divides plenum 54 intopassageways Passageway 56 receivescombustion gases 37 fromannular passageway 48 and passageway receives heatedheat transfer medium 53 from innerhollow member 44. As shown inFIG. 2A ,plenum 54 includes a pair of slots 55 (one slot shown inFIG. 2A ), each slot receiving acorresponding pin 59 of a pair of pins 59 (one pin shown inFIG. 2A ) formed in aninsert 60. The resulting pivoting connections formed betweenplenum 54 and insert 60 accommodate the range of angles betweenback wall 14 andflue baffle 22.Insert 60 includes a tube having avane 62 terminating at anend cap 77 which forms achamber 63 that is in fluid communication with fitting 71 secured to the exterior ofinsert 60. Aconduit portion 68 is configured to receiveconduit portion 66. Collectively, as shown inFIG. 2A , insert 60, andconduit portions return conduit 90. - In operation, as shown in
FIGS. 1 , 2A and 6A,plenum 54 is disposed betweenheat exchanger core 42 and insert 60 such thatcombustion gases 37 passing through combustion gas outlet opening 96 are directed throughpassageway 56 and then intochamber 63 ofinsert 60. Plenum 54 and insert 60 form anoverlap 78 in which vane 67 ofplenum 54 andvane 62 ofinsert 60 form a substantially fluid tight seal to substantially preventcombustion gases 37 from mixing with heatedheat transfer medium 53. In one embodiment, thecurves defining passageway 56 act to preserve a portion of the momentum of the flow ofcombustion gases 37.Combustion gases 37 enteringchamber 63 then flow through opening 64 ofinsert 60, then through fitting 71 ofinsert 64, which extends through flue opening 28 formed influe baffle 22. - The conventional throat or
chimney opening 19 is sealed in the present disclosure by the presence offlue baffle 22. As a result, allhot combustion gases 37 are directed through theheat exchanger assembly 40 prior to being discharged intochimney flue 20. In one embodiment, one end ofconduit 33, such as flexible aluminum tubing, is secured over fitting 71 that extends throughflue opening 28, with the other end secured to aninlet aperture 112 ofchimney cap 102 that is in fluid communication with anoutlet aperture 114 for dischargingcombustion gases 37 exterior offireplace venting system 3. In other words,combustion gases 37 are confined to flow insideconduit 33 and do not mix withcombustion air 35 passing throughchimney cap 102 and intochimney flue 20, whichcombustion air 35 being conveyed tocombustion chamber 10. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 , 7 and 8,chimney cap 102 includes abody 104 defining a substantially trapezoidal profile extending in a longitudinal direction, i.e., the direction of primary length.Body 104 containspartitioned cavities combustion air 35 and dischargingcombustion gases 37 therethrough. Alouvered inlet aperture 106 includingvanes 120 disposed therealong is formed inbody 104 for receivingcombustion air 35 intocavity 110 from exterior ofbody 104. Adjacent toinlet aperture 106 is apartial partition 122 that is proximate to afull partition 118. In one embodiment, the louvers ofinlet aperture 106 are spaced to prevent access, such as by birds. -
Partial partition 122, which may spanbody 104 in the transverse direction in one embodiment, prevents rain or other form of moisture from enteringcavity 110 and provides additional structural stiffness tobody 104.Full partition 118, shown as including three panel segments joined along their edges and disposed at angles from each other, forms a contiguous wall inbody 104 toseparate cavity 110 from anothercavity 116. An outlet aperture 108 (FIG. 8 ) is disposed betweenfull partition 118 andpartial partition 122 for dischargingcombustion air 35 received intocavity 110 throughinlet aperture 106.Combustion air 35 discharged fromoutlet aperture 108 flows withinchimney flue 20 towardcombustion chamber 10. -
Body 104 also includescavity 116 having an inlet aperture 112 (FIG. 8 ) for receivingcombustion gases 37 fromcombustion chamber 10 viaconduit 33. In one embodiment, a transition fitting or adapter 126 (FIG. 7 ) permits connection ofconduit 33 and ablower 128 secured insidecavity 116.Blower 128 drawscombustion gases 37 throughconduit 33 and then insidecavity 116 throughinlet aperture 112, finally discharging the combustion gases exterior ofbody 104 throughlouvered outlet aperture 114 havingvanes 120. In one embodiment, the louvers ofoutlet aperture 114 are spaced to prevent access, such as by birds. - As shown,
inlet aperture 106 andoutlet aperture 114 are opposed from each other, separated from each other by a flue liner 124 (FIG. 7 ) whenchimney cap 102 is installed. Due to the opposed construction, in response to orientinginlet aperture 106 so thatinlet aperture 106 is disposed upwind or faces the general direction of the wind, i.e., the northwest in many portions of North America,body 104 experiences a pivot effect with respect to each ofinlet aperture 106 andoutlet aperture 114. That is, wheninlet aperture 106 is oriented to face the wind, the relative atmospheric pressure developed outside of but in close proximity withcavity 110 is increased with respect to the relative atmospheric pressure developed insidecavity 110, due to thecombustion air 35 colliding withflue liner 124, thereby drawingcombustion air 35 throughinlet aperture 106 and intocavity 110. Conversely, whenoutlet aperture 114 is disposed downwind or oriented to face opposite the wind, the relative atmospheric pressure developed outside of but in close proximity withcavity 116 is reduced with respect to the relative atmospheric pressure developed insidecavity 116, due to the wind flowing aroundflue liner 124, thereby drawingcombustion gases 37 fromcavity 116 throughoutlet aperture 114. - It is to be understood that the term “facing the wind” or “facing upwind” in reference to
apertures apertures apertures blower 128 to dischargecombustion gases 37 fromconduit 33 through and then exterior ofchimney cap 102 is reduced. - The pivot effect may be enhanced through the use of
vanes 120 staggered to be disposed upwind or directly face the wind. That is, as shown inFIG. 7 , aplane 130 ofinlet aperture 106 is disposed at an angle θ to the horizontal. Thus, wind that is horizontally disposedcombustion air 35 strikes each ofvanes 120 distributed overinlet aperture 106, thereby enhancing the pivot effect described above. It is to be understood thatvanes 120 may be of similar or of different sizes, so that a portion of each vane is directly exposed to wind emanating from a predominant direction and orientation, such as horizontally oriented wind from the northwest. For example, as shown inFIG. 7A ,vanes 120 are substantially planar, versus being curved inFIG. 7 . In addition,vanes 120 inFIG. 7A are entirely contained withinrespective cavities - As shown in
FIGS. 7 and 8 ,chimney cap 102 includes features permitting use with differently configuredblowers 128. That is,chimney cap 102 can accommodate different blower sizes and shapes.Adjustable fastening members 134, such as threaded rod, and associatedmating fastener members 136, such as jam nuts, may be used to secureblower 128 via ablower flange 138 and openings 132 formed inbody 104. In one embodiment, the pattern of openings inblower flange 138, openings 132 andopenings 148 ofchimney cap 102 are substantially identical, and plate 152 is separable frombody 104. - In one embodiment,
adjustable brackets 142support chimney cap 102 and include opposed pairs ofbrackets 142 that are disposed on opposite ends offlue liner 124. The opposed pairs ofbrackets 142 includeslots 144 for use withmating fasteners 150 to accommodate differentlysized flue liners 124. Additionally,brackets 142 includefasteners 146, such as set screws, for securingbrackets 142 andchimney cap 102 in position toflue liner 124. Moreover,brackets 142 secure a transition fitting oradapter 126 betweenblower 128 andconduit 33, such as a reducer, which transition fitting oradapter 126 structurally supports the weight ofconduit 33. - In one non-limiting method of assembly of
chimney cap 102 toflue liner 124, transition fitting oradapter 126 is secured to each opposed pair ofbrackets 142, thenconduit 33 is secured to transition fitting oradapter 126 prior to loweringconduit 33 inside offlue liner 124. Onceconduit 33 has been lowered, the opposed pairs of brackets can then be secured toflue liner 124 withfasteners 146, such as set screws. In one embodiment, plate 152 is separable frombody 104. Plate 152 is secured via openings 132 to such as respective openings (not shown) formed inbrackets 142 usingfastening members flanges 138 toblower 128. At this point, in one embodiment, four ends offastening members 134 extend upwardly.Body 104 is then lowered overfastening members 134, aided byguides 140 so that ends offastening members 134 extend throughcorresponding openings 148 aligned with the guides. Assembly is then completed by securing fasteners 154, such as cap screws, over each fasteningmember 134. - Referring back to
FIGS. 2 , 2A and 3-6, eachheat exchanger core 42 is made of a material to provide a highly heat conductive arrangement. To that end, innerhollow member 44 is constructed of a heat conductive material, such as aluminum, to effectively conduct heat from thehot combustion gases 37 flowing through theannular passageway 48 to theheat transfer medium 52 flowing through the innerhollow member 44. Outerhollow member 46, which is directly exposed to the combustion occurring atburner 30, is likewise constructed of a highly heat conductive material, but one that is also more suitable for the combustion chamber environment, such as steel and, more specifically, stainless steel. - In one embodiment, the
heat exchanger assembly 40 is configured such that inlet andoutlet openings hollow members 44 and theannular passageways 48 are generally adjacent and proximate to a common end of theassembly 40. - In one embodiment, the aluminum inner
hollow members 44 and other aluminum parts of theheat exchanger cores 42 are anodized flat black. This improves the heat transfer properties of these parts by improving the heat transfer coefficient thereof. The overall heat transfer effectiveness of theheat exchanger assembly 40 is improved by the addition of aradiant energy reflector 65 to at least a portion of theheat exchanger assembly 40. In one embodiment,radiant energy reflector 65 is a contiguous component as shown inFIG. 2A , simultaneously serving as an access cover for blower or fan/motor assembly 100, although multiple reflectors may be used. Theradiant energy reflector 65 may be in the form of a reflective covering, such as polished stainless steel or the like, on at least a portion of the outerhollow members 46. By positioningradiant energy reflector 65 on or along a portion of theheat exchanger core 42 adjacent to theburner 30, radiant heat energy from the combustion flames of the burner is thereby directed toward the room or space to be heated.Radiant energy reflector 65 may also be in the form of a material selection and/or exterior surface treatment of the outerhollow members 46 to provide the desired surface reflective characteristics. - Each
heat exchanger core 42 is constructed and arranged to increase the dwell time ofhot combustion gases 37 in theannular passageway 48 thereby increasing the heat transfer between the relatively hotter combustion gases and the relatively coolerheat transfer medium 52. An object is to extract as much thermal energy as possible in a relatively compact space. By doing so, materials of construction for the chimney flue can be selected having to withstand much lower temperatures, as low as about 150° F. in at least one embodiment, thereby allowing less expensive materials to be used for the chimney flue, such as PVC. To this end, theheat exchanger cores 42 are configured to cause a vortex flow of thecombustion gases 37 as they flow through theannular passageway 48. The vortex flow is caused by at least one nozzle disk 70 (FIGS. 2A , 6 and 9-10), which is connected to at least one of the inner and outerhollow members FIG. 6 ) of theannular passageway 48. As hot combustion gases pass throughnozzle disk 70, the gases are forced to swirl about the annular passageway 48 (e.g.,FIG. 6 ), generally circulating around the innerhollow member 44 as the gases proceed along the length of theheat exchanger core 42. Referring toFIG. 4 ,combustion gases 37 flowing downwardly throughheat exchanger core 42 rotate generally counterclockwise, when viewed from above, about the innerhollow member 44 as the gases downwardly traverse theannular passageway 48. While the rotation for the upwardly directed combustion gases is opposite that of the downwardly directedcombustion gases 37, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 , in another embodiment (not shown), the rotational directions ofcombustion gases 37 are the same in both directions. The direction of spin for at least the downwardly directedcombustion gases 37 in theannular passageways 48 is selected to be aided by the Coriolis effect of the earth's rotation, further enhancing the spinning motion of the combustion gases traversing through the annular passageways. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the direction of spin shown corresponds to the Coriolis effect in the northern hemisphere, so that an installation for use in the southern hemisphere should be configured to cause a spin in a reverse direction. -
FIGS. 9 and 10 show details of thenozzle disk 70, which disk positioned proximate to theinlet end 86 of eachannular passageway 48. In one embodiment,nozzle disks 70 may be interconnected to each other. In one embodiment,nozzle disk 70 is of generally planar circular construction, having anouter perimeter 72 generally matching the inner perimeter of outer hollow member 46 (FIG. 4 ), and aninner opening structure 74 through which the inner hollow member 44 (FIG. 4 ) passes. In one embodiment, inner and outerhollow members nozzle disk 70 are arranged along a common centerline corresponding to the longitudinal axis of thehollow members vane structures 76 is arranged generally radially about the centerline. The vane structures include apenetration 73 through the nozzle disk structure and aflow directing vane 75 positioned such that hot combustion gases passing through thepenetrations 73 impinge on the flow directing vane and are deflected. Eachflow directing vane 75 defines an inclination angle Φ with respect to the plane of the nozzle disk, approximately 30 degrees in one embodiment, but those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variation in the angle of inclination can be used without deviating from the functional objective of thenozzle disk 70. Gaps between the inner and outerhollow member nozzle disk 70 are minimized by a tight-fitting interface so that combustion gases bypassing the nozzle disk will be minimized. - Referring now to
FIGS. 2 , 2A, 3-6 and 6A, there is shown one embodiment for circulatingheat transfer medium 52, room air in one embodiment, through theheat exchanger assembly 40 to heat the adjacent space. Onceheat transfer medium 52 is heated after passing throughheat exchanger assembly 40, it is designated as heatedheat transfer medium 53. As shown, asupply conduit 80 is employed to conveyheat transfer medium 52, and areturn conduit 90 is employed to conveyheat transfer medium 53. - In operation, a fan/
motor assembly 100 draws relatively coolheat transfer medium 52 from the space or room and directs it throughsupply conduit 80 toward the heating medium inlet opening 84 of theheat exchanger core 42. To simplify installation and accommodate fireplaces of different size,supply conduit 80 includes several portions that slidingly overlap each other. - In one embodiment, after being directed through fan/
motor assembly 100,heat transfer medium 52 entersplenum 58 which defines a region of increasing cross-sectional area between the lower and upper end ofplenum 58, as measured by horizontal planes (not shown). In other words,plenum 58 increases in arial transverse directions between the lower and upper end ofplenum 58, as shown orthogonally inFIGS. 3 and 4 . This increase in cross-sectional area significantly reduces the velocity of enteringheat transfer medium 52 without decreasing the energy associated with the fluid flow from fan/motor assembly 100. In addition, as shown inFIG. 4 , one ormore vanes 83 are disposed withinplenum 58 to selectably redirect a portion of the flow ofheat transfer medium 52 to at least the outermost positionedheat exchanger cores 42.Vanes 83 are configured to redirect flow ofheat transfer medium 52 to more evenly distribute the amount of the medium flowing through eachheat exchanger core 42 while minimizing a reduction of energy associated with the fluid flow from fan/motor assembly 100. - After exiting
plenum 58,heat transfer medium 52 enters the interior of innerhollow member 44 through the heatingmedium inlet opening 84 and moves through theheat exchanger cores 42 while absorbing thermal energy from thehot combustion gases 37 that are spinning around the outer surface of the innerhollow member 44. After passing through theheat exchanger cores 42, the heated heat transfer medium 53 (FIG. 6 ) then exits theheat exchanger assembly 40 through a heatingmedium outlet opening 94 and is delivered back to the area or room to be heated by thereturn conduit 90. - It is appreciated that as shown in
FIG. 2A ,heat exchanger assembly 40 is similarly able to accommodate fireplaces of different height due to the overlapping slidingrectangular portions heat exchanger cores 42. - Conduit design may include adjustable and/or flexible supply and return
conduit - While the embodiment shown in
FIG. 2 describes use of one embodiment of the disclosure invention for heating a room adjacent to the fireplace, other alternatives are possible by directing the air supply and return conduits to other rooms. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous options for directing a heat transfer medium to and through the heat exchanger assembly are permissible within the scope of the present invention. While six generally parallel flow paths are shown inFIG. 4 , it is possible to direct the heat transfer medium in a serial flow through the entire heat exchanger assembly wherein a single heatingmedium inlet opening 84 and a single heatingmedium outlet opening 94 is used. Conversely, more or less than six generally parallel flow paths may also be used since theheat exchanger cores 42 of the present invention are modular in nature. Adjusting the heating medium flow rates and the flow configuration through the heat exchanger cores allows a desired heating medium return temperature to be selected based on the heat input of the burner assembly. - In an alternate embodiment, a liquid heat transfer medium may be circulated through the inner hollow members whereupon the liquid heat transfer medium absorbs heat energy from the hot combustion gases. The heated liquid may then be easily conveyed to other locations where the heat energy may be extracted to provide heat to a room or another area. An example remote location would be a heat exchanger positioned in the existing heating system for a house whereby the heat energy from the fireplace is efficiently distributed to the entire heated portion of a house or building structure. Such an application provides further benefit to heat pump systems, which require a supplemental heat source when outside air temperatures fall below certain levels. Heat energy from the fireplace can replace expensive electric resistance heating elements often used as supplemental heat sources for heat pumps, potentially lowering energy costs. Due to the modular arrangement of the heat exchanger assembly, a combination of room air from a room adjacent the fireplace and a heat transfer liquid directed to a heat exchanger in a different location may be accommodated, enabling a single fireplace to effectively heat greater portions of a house, thereby further increasing the effectiveness of the fireplace as a supplemental heating source.
- While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (24)
1. A fireplace chimney cap comprising:
a body having a first aperture and a second aperture in fluid communication defining a first cavity therebetween, the first cavity configured and disposed to receive combustion air through the first aperture and then through the second aperture for delivery to a fireplace combustion chamber;
the body further having a third aperture and a fourth aperture in fluid communication defining a second cavity therebetween, the second cavity configured and disposed to receive combustion gases from the fireplace combustion chamber through the third aperture and then through the fourth aperture for exhausting exterior of the body, the first and second cavities fluidly separated from each other; and
wherein the opposed first and fourth apertures are configured and disposed to provide a pivot effect to more readily draw both combustion air into the first cavity and combustion gases into the second cavity in response to the first aperture disposed upwind and fourth aperture disposed downwind.
2. A fireplace chimney cap comprising:
a body having a first aperture and a second aperture in fluid communication defining a first cavity therebetween, the first cavity configured and disposed to receive combustion air through the first aperture and then through the second aperture for delivery to a fireplace combustion chamber;
the body further having a third aperture and a fourth aperture in fluid communication defining a second cavity therebetween, the second cavity configured and disposed to receive combustion gases from the fireplace combustion chamber through the third aperture and then through the fourth aperture for exhausting exterior of the body, the first and second cavities fluidly separated from each other; and first aperture disposed upwind and fourth aperture position disposed downwind.
3. The cap of claim 2 , wherein the first and fourth apertures are configured to prevent bird entrance.
4. The cap of claim 1 , wherein the body includes a partition disposed between the first and second cavities.
5. The cap of claim 4 , further comprising a partial partition disposed adjacent the first aperture.
6. The cap of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of vanes associated with at least one of the first and fourth apertures.
7. The cap of claim 6 , wherein at least one of the plurality of vanes is curved.
8. The cap of claim 1 , wherein the first and fourth apertures are oriented at an angle from corresponding upwind and downwind directions.
9. The cap of claim 8 , wherein the angle is about 90 degrees.
10. The cap of claim 8 , further comprising a plurality of vanes associated with at least one of the first and fourth apertures.
11. The cap of claim 8 , wherein a portion of at least one vane of the plurality of vanes associated with the first aperture is disposed upwind.
12. The cap of claim 8 , wherein a portion of at least one vane of the plurality of vanes associated with the fourth aperture is disposed downwind.
13. The cap of claim 1 , wherein the body is configured to be securable to differently sized chimney flues.
14. The cap of claim 2 , wherein the body is configured to be securable to differently sized chimney flues.
15. The cap of claim 1 , wherein the body is configured to selectably receive a blower in at least one of the first cavity and the second cavity.
16. The cap of claim 2 , wherein the body is configured to selectably receive a blower in at least one of the first cavity and the second cavity.
17. The cap of claim 15 , wherein the blower received by the body is selectable from a plurality of different constructions.
18. A method of installing a fireplace chimney cap to a chimney flue, the steps comprising:
providing a body having a first aperture and a second aperture in fluid communication defining a first cavity therebetween, the first cavity configured and disposed to receive combustion air through the first aperture and then through the second aperture for delivery to a fireplace combustion chamber, the body further having a third aperture and a fourth aperture in fluid communication defining a second cavity therebetween, the second cavity configured and disposed to receive combustion gases from the fireplace combustion chamber through the third aperture and then through the fourth aperture for exhausting exterior of the body, the first and second cavities fluidly separated from each other;
selectably installing a blower in at least one of the first and second cavity;
securing the body to a chimney flue with the first aperture disposed upwind, thereby establishing a pivot effect to more readily draw both combustion air into the first cavity and combustion gases into the second cavity.
19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the installed blower is selectable from a plurality of different constructions.
20. The method of claim 18 , wherein the step of installing a blower includes a step of securing a conduit to a blower installed in the first cavity and to a combustion air supply opening configured for conveying the combustion air from exterior of the body to the combustion chamber.
21. The method of claim 18 , wherein the step of installing a blower includes a step of securing a conduit to a blower installed in the second cavity and to a flue opening configured for conveying the combustion gases from the combustion chamber to exterior of the body.
22. A fireplace venting system comprising:
a heat exchanger assembly having a combustion chamber, a chimney flue having an opening connected to a top portion of the combustion chamber, a heat source disposed within the combustion chamber for producing hot gases in response to combustion, a front opening, and a fireplace screen or the like for closing the front opening to separate the combustion chamber from an area to be heated, the heat exchanger assembly comprising:
a baffle for sealing the chimney opening, the baffle having at least one flue opening for exhausting combustion gases into the chimney flue and at least one combustion air supply opening for receiving combustion air into the combustion chamber;
at least one elongated heat exchanger core having an outer hollow member with opposing combustion gas inlet and outlet ends separated by an outer member length, and an inner hollow member disposed within and generally coextensive with the outer hollow member forming an annular passageway therebetween, the inner hollow member having a medium inlet end and a medium outlet end, and further defining an interior passageway for a heat transfer medium flowing generally from the medium inlet end toward the medium outlet end, at least a portion of combustion gas flow within the annular passageway being generally in a counter-flow heat exchange relationship with the medium flow within the inner hollow member, the annular passageway receiving combustion gases from the combustion chamber at the gas inlet end and discharging combustion gases from the gas outlet end; and
at least one nozzle disk configured and disposed in the annular passageway to induce a swirling flow pattern of the combustion gases about the inner hollow member generally between the combustion gas inlet and outlet ends; and a supply conduit in flow communication with the medium inlet end for directing a flow of the heat transfer medium toward the medium inlet end of the inner hollow member and a return conduit in flow communication with the medium outlet end for receiving the heat transfer medium from the medium outlet end of the inner hollow member; and
a fireplace chimney cap comprising:
a body having a first aperture and a second aperture in fluid communication defining a first cavity therebetween, the first cavity configured and disposed to receive combustion air through the first aperture and then through the second aperture for delivery to the fireplace combustion chamber;
the body further having a third aperture and a fourth aperture in fluid communication defining a second cavity therebetween, the second cavity configured and disposed to receive combustion gases from the fireplace combustion chamber through the third aperture and then through the fourth aperture for exhausting exterior of the body, the first and second cavities fluidly separated from each other; and
wherein the opposed first and fourth apertures are configured and disposed to provide a pivot effect to more readily draw both outside air into the first cavity and flue gas into the second cavity in response to the first aperture disposed upwind and fourth aperture disposed downwind.
23. The cap of claim 22 , wherein the body is configured to selectably receive a blower in at least one of the first cavity and the second cavity.
24. The cap of claim 23 , wherein the blower received by the body is selectable from a plurality of different constructions.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/863,553 US20080160894A1 (en) | 2006-12-30 | 2007-09-28 | Partitioned chimney cap and fireplace venting system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/618,756 US20080156892A1 (en) | 2006-12-30 | 2006-12-30 | Fireplace heat exchanger |
US11/863,553 US20080160894A1 (en) | 2006-12-30 | 2007-09-28 | Partitioned chimney cap and fireplace venting system |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/618,756 Continuation-In-Part US20080156892A1 (en) | 2006-12-30 | 2006-12-30 | Fireplace heat exchanger |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20080160894A1 true US20080160894A1 (en) | 2008-07-03 |
Family
ID=39584680
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/863,553 Abandoned US20080160894A1 (en) | 2006-12-30 | 2007-09-28 | Partitioned chimney cap and fireplace venting system |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20080160894A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
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WO2010092410A3 (en) * | 2009-02-10 | 2011-03-24 | Notas, George | Electronic control system for energy efficient fireplace |
US9057519B1 (en) * | 2007-07-17 | 2015-06-16 | Improved Consumer Products, Inc. | Chimney cap |
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WO2010092410A3 (en) * | 2009-02-10 | 2011-03-24 | Notas, George | Electronic control system for energy efficient fireplace |
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