How do solid fuel boilers work?

Solid fuel boilers are devices used to generate heat by burning solid fuel, such as coal, wood, pellets or eco-pea coal. There are several different types of solid fuel boilers, but I will describe the general principle of operation.

Fuel supply:

Solid fuel boilers have a combustion chamber where solid fuel, such as pieces of wood or coal, is placed. Fuel is supplied to the combustion chamber by a special mechanism, for example, a screw feeder, which gradually supplies fuel to the place of combustion. There are also simple boilers in which coal or wood is supplied by the user, so-called universal or traditional boilers.

Burning coal and wood:

Combustion of solid fuel takes place in the combustion chamber under the influence of oxygen from the supplied air. Solid fuel boilers have air intake openings that provide the necessary amount of oxygen to burn the fuel. The combustion process generates high temperature and thermal energy. Depending on the type of boiler, this process is supervised by an electronic controller or, in simpler furnaces, by a draft regulator or by the user.

Heat exchange:

The heat generated is transferred to the heating system, which may include water or air heating systems. Solid fuel boilers usually have a heat exchanger that separates the flue gas (gases produced by combustion) from the heating medium, water or liquid, such as borygo. The heat exchanger enables the transfer of heat from the flue gas to the heating medium, preheating it.

The flue gases from the combustion process are discharged from the boiler through a chimney or flue gas discharge system. This is important to avoid the accumulation of dangerous substances such as carbon oxides or other pollutants. There are two flue gas discharge systems: a gravitational system and a system forced by an exhaust fan.

Control and adjustment:

Solid fuel boilers are usually equipped with control and regulation systems that monitor temperature, air flow, combustion and other parameters. This allows you to effectively manage the combustion process and ensure optimal efficiency and safety.

It is important to regularly maintain and clean solid fuel boilers to keep them efficient and safe. The user can check the devices himself or by the manufacturer's authorized service.