Wood burning properties - how to use this fuel effectively in the stove?

Wood burning properties - how to use this fuel effectively in the stove?

Wood is still one of the most popular fuels in Poland, used to heat houses and farms. Burning wood in a stove is relatively cheap and convenient for many people, but it is often associated with high emissions of harmful gases and dust that are harmful to the environment. So let's analyze how to effectively use wood as fuel and what are the appropriate conditions for burning wood.

Wood moisture - a factor affecting combustion

Wood moisture is one of the key factors that affect the energy efficiency and cleanliness of wood combustion. Wood intended for burning in stoves should have a moisture content below 20%. Therefore, it is important to properly store the wood. Care should be taken to ensure free air circulation around the wood. Therefore, wood should be stored in a sheltered but well-ventilated space. If possible, it is worth placing them in a sunny place, preferring the south side.

Layers of wood should be stacked with a glide to maintain a constant flow of air. Thanks to this, moisture will be effectively removed and the drying process will be optimal. It is also important to avoid storing fresh wood in the boiler room, because poor air circulation and high humidity favor the development of fungi and mold, which settle on the wood and cause its slow decay.

Wood drying methods

There are several effective methods for drying firewood. One of the most effective ways is to place the wood in special dryers that will reduce the water content in the wood by up to 10%. Another popular method is to leave the wood in the open, but covered and protected from the rain. In this way, the wood can dry to a moisture level of 15% to 20%.

Influence of wood moisture on energy efficiency

The energy value of wood is decisively affected by the moisture content of the wood and its species. The higher the moisture content of the wood, the lower the energy efficiency. This is due to the need to evaporate the water contained in the wood, which generates energy losses.

High wood moisture also contributes to increased emissions of harmful substances. More smoke and tarring are observed, resulting from the lower combustion temperature. The chimney also suffers from condensation. Therefore, it is important that the firewood is properly dried.

Energy value of 1 kg of wood depending on the species:
Poplar - 4.1 kW/h
Oak - 4.2 kW/h
Birch - 4.3 kW/h
Pine - 4.4 kW/h
Spruce - 4.5 kW/h

Efficient wood burning in the stove

The most important thing is to use only well-dried wood that has had time to mature for at least several months. It is also important to regularly clean the exchanger in the furnace from accumulated soot and ash. In the case of wood gasification furnaces, it is important to keep the flue gas temperature above 150 degrees Celsius, and the temperature of the boiler should be above 60 degrees Celsius.

Wood burning temperature

In the initial stage of lighting the wood reaches a temperature of about 100 degrees Celsius. At this point, rapid evaporation of water molecules and intense smoking occurs. Then the temperature of the wood rises to about 300 degrees Celsius, which leads to the degassing of the wood. Finally, the wood burns, turning into charcoal, at a temperature of 500 to 800 degrees Celsius.

Each of the phases of wood combustion has its own characteristic features that allow you to easily recognize at which stage of combustion a portion of wood delivered to the stove is. In the beginning, there is intense smoking, and the wood begins to shrink and crack. Then comes degassing, which releases wood gas, characterized by a blue-yellow flame and burning at a high temperature, reaching up to 1000 degrees Celsius. In the end, the wood turns into charcoal, which only glows.

Eco-friendly wood burning boilers

If you decide to heat with wood, it is worth considering the purchase of an ecological gasification boiler or a wood gasification furnace. In our offer you will also find modern coal gasification boilers.

If you prefer solid fuels, we offer solid class 5 boilers, eco-pea coal stoves and pellet boilers. We will select the right boiler that meets all your expectations, including financial ones. We also offer durable charging boilers.

Burning wood in a stove is a popular method of heating in Poland. However, remember that proper wood preparation, such as proper drying and storage, is crucial for the efficiency and cleanliness of combustion. Taking care of these factors, you will be able to enjoy effective and ecological heating with wood.