Development of a Pulse Combustion Space Heater. Final Report March 1982-April 1987

摘要

A high-efficiency pulse combustion space heater was developed over a five-year period. Initially, a cast combustor unit was designed that operated with a thermal efficiency in excess of 90% at an input rate of 18,000 Btu/hr. This model was successfully tested in the field during the 1983/1984 heating season. During the 1984/1985 season, these units were used to prove the concept of heating substantially all of a residence with a space heater thereby reducing the load on the central furnace. A new participating manufacturer joined the program in early 1985. The unit was redesigned to allow fabrication by stamping and room humidification by evaporation of condensate. Extensive sound attenuation work succeeded in reducing sound levels to as low as 56 dBA. The redesigned units operated with a thermal efficiency in excess of 90% at an input rate of 20,000 Btu/hr. They were successfully tested in the field during the 1985/1986 heating season. The participating manufacturer conducted additional field experiments during the 1986/1987 heating season, and expects commercialization in 1988.