[Stoves] New type of electricity generator suiteable for stoves- early development stage.

[AJH]

On Tue, 1 Apr 2008 08:53:06 +0100, Ken Boak wrote:

>Small hot air engines can be used to recover a low percentage of the heat 
>from a hot body, such as a stove and make the energy available as either 
>mechanical for working a bellows or a simple fan impeller or for conversion 
>into electricity for battery charging etc.

Yes and many variations on the stirling theme were on display at the
Stirling and Hot Air Engine Rally last Sunday in Kew, though it was
poorly attended Ken!

I still think the solid state or metallic teg will be more usable but
wouldn't discount a stirling, with models on show from toys that run
on the palm of your hand from body heat to a 1 man power wood fired
boat engine (running teflon piston and without lubrication video on
youtube v=2LOcyjZthsg) and a veteran 1898 Eriksson wood fired water
pump there are lots to choose from.

For stove fan power the crux will be in keeping the hot side in the
combustion chamber without affecting the cooking and making sure the
cold side is cooled with incoming combustion air.

If you are able to generate the 3W you suggest then this is enough to
fan assist a 3kW(t) stove.

AJH