Abstract
In this study, an extensive set of experiments has been performed to investigate how the emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM) from wood pellet combustion are correlated with the different layout of air inlets in the two burner pots of pellet stoves. In particular, emissions generated using a “traditional” burner pot are compared with those produced with an innovative one. Tests were carried out on four pellet stoves (8–11 kW burning power). Tests show that CO emissions can be reduced close to zero using the innovative burner pot. PM emissions are also reduced, but not as much as those of CO. This phenomenon is explained assuming that CO reduction implies a reduction of the organic part of PM, but not of the inorganic matter. Experiments also show an apparent dependence of PM release on the time from ignition for both burner pot models: PM emissions increase and the color of PM deposited on filters varies over a wide range. It is argued that this effect is due to ash accumulation on the bottom of the burner pot and to its interaction with the primary air stream that flows over it.
Highlights
Concern about greenhouse gas production caused by the intense exploitation of fossil fuels is shifting interest towards biomass fuels which are nominally carbon-neutral
This paper reports results of a collaboration between AICO SpA, an Italian manufacturer, and the University of Brescia aimed to reduce carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM) emissions of pellet stoves and boilers manufactured by AICO, through improvement of combustion conditions
The stoves tested exhibit different performance in term of CO and PM emissions and combustion efficiencies. This is true when comparing stoves with different burner pots: the combustion seems to be strongly affected by primary air inlet geometry
Summary
Concern about greenhouse gas production caused by the intense exploitation of fossil fuels is shifting interest towards biomass fuels which are nominally carbon-neutral. A poor exploitation of biomass can cause a significant generation of pollutants and particle emissions. It is generally acknowledged that aerosols are the cause of many diseases and premature death [1,2], the problem of reducing aerosols produced by biomass-fueled appliances is receiving increasing attention, and limits of emissions in international and national regulations are becoming more restrictive. Within the framework set by the EU Ecodesign Directive [3], for example, the limit of PM emission for pellet stoves has been fixed to 20 mg/Nm3. This value will be enforced starting on 1 January 2022. Most pellet stove manufacturers are actively engaged in the development of low-emission appliances
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