Harman SF360 Efficiency

[Robby]

I burn wood and coal in SF360. I have 1400 gal. water heat storage. I am convinced that storage is the secret to efficiency. I can adjust draft and water flow rate so as to get most rise in water temp. with lowest chimney temperature and after 15 minutes or so, no smoke. Chimney stays very clean. As long as I don't add too much wood at a time stays almost smoke free. Because of storage I can reduce draft opening to make burn at optimal temps. etc.

My question: I have no idea what the efficiency was before I added storage and variable pump. I burn mostly pine, dry, under 20%. Would someone have a reasonable guess as to how efficient it was to start with?

Robby

 

[Nofossil]

Efficiency is a very hard thing to measure effectively, much less guess at. The best hard data I've seen suggests that an optimally operated conventional boiler or woodstove can get a maximum combustion efficiency of around 50% - 60%, but there are lots of variables.

 

[Robby]

Thanks,

I have tried weighing wood, portion of cord, etc. as compared to water temp differential. Wildly inaccurate. I suppose it's not that important, just keep adding more fuel untill your warm.

Robby