Corn Stove

[dpansier]

Anyone constructed a corn stove?
With the high fuel prices forecast for this winter and the long backlogs for new stoves, it would be interesting to see what could be developed.
Thanks

[JFettig]

We have one of the bigger models at home, works quite good except you have daily maintenence and filling etc to do.
My uncle was working on a prototype for a company a while back, its doable but is it something to want to take up? the corn has to be augered in at the right speed(on and off every few seconds for a few seconds or constant slow speed) and needs sturring, fan off, fan on exhaust and air for heating. I really dont think it would be too difficult, but you would have to create some circuts.

Jon

[HuFlungDung]

I have a commercially built pellet stove in use, and there is a fair bit to do, to ensure safe operation.

Keep in mind that your insurance company is going to take a dim view of your machine if it has not been certified as safe by Underwriters Lab or CSA international. And I get the idea that getting that safety certification might be a tad expensive.

[ynneb]

Just for those who were wondering what a corn stove was ( Like myself)
Here is a picture.

[JFettig]

well for the most part, most of the ones around here are quite a bit different, but similar in concept.

Jon

[dpansier]

The corn stove would be remote and heat a transfer fluid pumped into the home.
Corn could be augured to the unit through a PVC pipe from the storage bin and controlled by a simple PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). Inputs to the PLC would come from the outside air temp (this would allow the unit to anticipate the future load), inside temp, corn (fuel) levels, and other inputs as necessary.
The transfer fluid would be pumped to a heat exchanger and be open loop with a standpipe to eliminate the possibility of pressure buildup. A float switch would control the fluid level and add more when needed.
If desired, the system could be powered by several line charged 12 volt batteries and provide limited heat when the power is out.
I believe the system could be built to be very safe and efficient installation.