Heat Powered Fan: Get Expert Advice Here

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the creation of a heat-powered fan for wood stoves, exploring various designs and mechanisms. Participants share ideas on how to effectively circulate warm air, as well as their experiences with existing products like Ecofans.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks guidance on building a heat-powered fan for their wood stove.
  • Another participant questions the purpose of venting and whether it is to be heated by the stove.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the effectiveness of Ecofans, suggesting they are more decorative than functional.
  • There is a suggestion to consider using Stirling engines for heat-driven fans.
  • Participants mention that Ecofans can provide around 100 CFM and discuss the feasibility of using multiple units to enhance air circulation.
  • One participant proposes testing the 100 CFM claim before purchasing more fans.
  • There are mentions of using small steam engines and comparing them with Peltier devices for this application.
  • A participant shares their specific goal of circulating warm air from their living room down a hallway and expresses a desire to undertake a DIY project.
  • Another participant suggests building a small steam engine or placing a turbine in the chimney to drive the fan, though they express concerns about noise levels.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the effectiveness of existing heat-powered fans, particularly Ecofans, with some finding them inadequate while others suggest potential improvements. There is no consensus on the best approach to creating a heat-powered fan, with multiple competing ideas presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the assumptions behind their proposed designs, and there are unresolved questions regarding the efficiency and practicality of different mechanisms mentioned.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in DIY projects related to home heating, those exploring alternative methods for air circulation, and anyone considering the effectiveness of heat-powered fans for wood stoves may find this discussion relevant.

dawnbledsoe
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Hello I'm new to the PF? My main reason for posting was to understand how I may begin to create a heat powered fan for my wood stove? Would someone be willing to help please?
 
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What and why do you want to vent exactly? Is it to be heated by the stove itself? Just want to make sure I get this.
 
If you intend to copy an Ecofan, don't bother. We have one that was given to us, and it is pretty useless for moving air. It's main value is as a visible indicator that the stove's surface temperature is falling. Other than that, it's a conversation piece at best.
 
Are the "heat driven fans" in question driven by stirling engines?
 
turbo-1 said:
If you intend to copy an Ecofan, don't bother. We have one that was given to us, and it is pretty useless for moving air. It's main value is as a visible indicator that the stove's surface temperature is falling. Other than that, it's a conversation piece at best.

I just checked these out, and they can apparently provide around 100 CFM. If so, then having a half-dozen of these on the stove should be more than enough to make a noticeable difference.
 
Dr Lots-o'watts said:
I just checked these out, and they can apparently provide around 100 CFM. If so, then having a half-dozen of these on the stove should be more than enough to make a noticeable difference.
Buy one and test the 100 cfm claim. You won't buy more.
 
turbo-1 said:
Buy one and test the 100 cfm claim. You won't buy more.

Thanks for the review!
 
russ_watters said:
You can buy little steam engines...

It would be interesting to compare with peltier devices.
 
  • #10
Well thank you for all the replies. My wood stove is in the living room and straight in front of the hallway I was looking to circulate the warm air down that hallway. But I want to take on a home project instead of buying one.
 
  • #11
dawnbledsoe said:
Hello I'm new to the PF? My main reason for posting was to understand how I may begin to create a heat powered fan for my wood stove? Would someone be willing to help please?

i also face this problem...

until now i not know how to get heat my wood stove easily.
 
  • #12
I like Russ' idea. You could build a small steam engine on or beside the stove, with a coil of tubing or a tank inside the stove as a boiler. (With the bonus that the exhaust would be a small-scale humidifier. :biggrin:) It might be too noisy, though.
My own first thought was to put a turbine (just a simple pinwheel type) in the chimney with a driveshaft going to the fan, but I can't see that producing a lot of breeze.
 

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