Outdoor Wood Furnace Info

All-Purpose OWF Discussions => General Outdoor Furnace Discussion => Topic started by: AirForcePOL on March 12, 2009, 03:45:59 PM

Title: Big advantages with a storage tank?
Post by: AirForcePOL on March 12, 2009, 03:45:59 PM

Is there a big advantage to having a storage tank in the system? its not something I would do right now but maybe down the road if its really worth it.

Title: Re: Big advantages with a storage tank?
Post by: ckbetz on March 12, 2009, 04:22:40 PM

I stuck an old 50 gallon water heater in my system so the hot water came in the top and return entered into the bottom (if I remember right) to see if it would help give me some burn times and reduce the shock to the OWB when the cooler water returned back to it.  I couldn't tell any difference whatsoever.  So I took it out and didn't try much else. 

Title: Re: Big advantages with a storage tank?
Post by: willieG on March 12, 2009, 06:04:18 PM

Airforce, i am not sure if adding a small tank will let you see much of  a difference, and i am not really sure you would see a big difference with a big storage tank....however it is my belief that a big storage tank will be more efficient in the event that you would not lose the unburnt btu's going out the stack as smoke at all the start up and shut down cycles..then on the other note you may lose more btu's out the stack while your fire is roaring trying to heat all that water

then again if there is no diference and it was all equal i also think that you would be at least by having one hot fire and avoiding all those start up and shut downs when these types of stoves smoke badly (or so it is stated) that you would at least be burning your wood more "eviromentaly friendly"

i am drawing up plans now for a new stove that would use  a 1200 gal tank....it may nto be in operation for 2 years but i am going to give it a go. i only have my time to invest. i got all my steel at "freebee" cost

Title: Re: Big advantages with a storage tank?
Post by: jackel440 on March 14, 2009, 08:49:42 PM

I have definately planned on using storage in my future.I won't be instaaling anything for a year or two though.
I think i should be able to increase the time between burns.I think if i can get the furnace to burn for one good long run and bring the storage to temp.I can heat the house for an extended period of timebefore the boiler will need to be reloaded.I am planning on either 2 500 Gallon tanks or 1  1000 Gallon tank.If anything I can have heat for the house if i go away for a few days without firing the boiler everday. :thumbup:

Title: Re: Big advantages with a storage tank?
Post by: AirForcePOL on March 16, 2009, 06:59:34 AM

Thanks guys. Its something that I'll keep in mind but doesnt sound like anything I will need soon. Thanks for the input!