Pellet stoves are small heat generators that work by burning a renewable fuel called pellet. This biofuel is made from wood waste such as chips, sawdust, and shavings, sourced from sustainably managed forests. Pellet is considered a clean and eco-friendly fuel because the emissions produced during combustion are offset by the carbon absorbed by the trees from which it originated.
There are several types of pellet stoves: standard and ductable models.
Both burn pellets as fuel and use combustion gases to heat the air. In ductable stoves, the hot air is distributed to other rooms through a duct system. Additionally, hydro pellet stoves can heat water radiators (both high- and low-temperature) and even provide domestic hot water.
Main Parts of a Pellet Stove
- Internal hopper: Stores the pellets (Part A).
- Auger: Transports the pellets from the hopper to the combustion chamber (Part B).
- Auger motor: Drives the auger (Part C).
- Burn pot or ashtray: The area where the pellets are burned (Part D).
- Electric igniter: Used for the initial ignition of the pellets (Part E).
- Exhaust outlet: Allows the combustion gases to exit (Part F).
- Blower fan: Pushes hot air into the room (Part G).
- Hot air outlet grille: Distributes warm air into the room (Part H).
- Centrifugal extractor fan: Removes the combustion gases.
- Control panel: Configures and manages the stove’s functions.
How Does a Pellet Stove Work?
- Storage: Pellets are stored in a hopper (Part A) with a capacity ranging from 15 to 30 kg, depending on the model.
- Transport: An auger (Part B), powered by a motor (Part C), transports the pellets to the burn pot or ashtray (Part D).
- Initial ignition: An electric igniter (Part E) ignites the pellets.
- Continuous operation: Once the stove is lit, the igniter turns off to save energy.
- Combustion: Air enters the combustion chamber to provide oxygen. This air, along with the smoke, is directed to the heat exchanger, where it warms cold air that is later expelled through the hot air outlet (Part H).
- Exhaust: The smoke and combustion gases are expelled through a blower fan (Part L) via the exhaust outlet (Part F).
- Exit: The exhaust gases typically exit from the rear or top of the stove, depending on the design.
Advantages of Pellet Stoves
Pellet stoves are cleaner and more efficient than traditional wood-burning stoves. Thanks to electronic control systems, they have significantly improved in energy efficiency and emission reductions, making them a sustainable option for home heating.
