First look at Drolet's new EPA 2020 wood furnace...

[brenndatomu]

Wood Furnaces |Heat Commander Furnace

Only EPA certified Drolet furnace, the Heat Commander is perfect for heating up to 2,500 ft² with an output of 310,000 BTU. Self-Regulated Combustion.

www.drolet.ca

Looks like its called the Heat Commander...but some of the parts are listed as being for the Tundra III too, so...anyways, looks like list price of $2799 USD. (and it still has a window!)
I was hoping to figure out it they are using a thermocouple, or a O2 sensor to sense/control for the stepper motor...couldn't find anything yet.

 

[Highbeam]

21” wood east west or north south! Sounds big.

 

[brenndatomu]

21” wood east west or north south! Sounds big.

I think that's wrong... measurements say only 18.5" wide...

 

[brenndatomu]

Looks like they went the thermocouple route (found it in the parts list)...rats...I was hoping to see someone go to using an O2 sensor on a forced air furnace...seems like that is working out real well on the boilers...

 

[3fordasho]

Looks like they went the thermocouple route (found it in the parts list)...rats...I was hoping to see someone go to using an O2 sensor on a forced air furnace...seems like that is working out real well on the boilers...
View attachment 262569

As little as possible to get by I'm sure. I wonder if the air inlet is stepper motor controlled or basically open / almost shut off like before?

 

[3fordasho]

21” wood east west or north south! Sounds big.

3.6 cuft box just like the earlier versions.

 

[brenndatomu]

As little as possible to get by I'm sure. I wonder if the air inlet is stepper motor controlled or basically open / almost shut off like before?

I found a stepper motor in the parts list...the intake is not exposed like before though...looks like it has a "false front", more like the Caddys now...

 

[Highbeam]

Sorry, I’m remote. Has this furnace made the epa list yet?

 

[brenndatomu]

Sorry, I’m remote. Has this furnace made the epa list yet?

No

 

[Gbawol42]

Surprised to see the window for sure. Curious to see what parts could maybe be transferred to the T2. I would love a stepper motor.

 

[brenndatomu]

Surprised to see the window for sure. Curious to see what parts could maybe be transferred to the T2. I would love a stepper motor.

Get your wallet out...I seen in the parts list that the motor is $150 and the controller card is $600

 

[laynes69]

Do you have a link for the parts list? The furnace has a resemblance of the Caddy? I'd be willing to swap out parts if it could be done, much cheaper than buying a new one.

 

[brenndatomu]

Do you have a link for the parts list? The furnace has a resemblance of the Caddy? I'd be willing to swap out parts if it could be done, much cheaper than buying a new one.

It's just the parts list that's available from the main page...and there's no pics yet...I'm kinda doubting retrofit possibilities...but hard to day for sure at this point.

 

[Highbeam]

"Yes, EPA 2020 approved "

A one speed blower.

Electrical "average " consumption of 1100 watts!

Then 5 different efficiency numbers all with marketing BS attached.

 

[brenndatomu]

A one speed blower.

In one place it says one speed blower, in another it says 4 speed...

Electrical "average " consumption of 1100 watts!

No wonder it passed the EPA 2020 test...its an electric furnace!

 

[3fordasho]

At least there will be another option that is a little higher priced then the POS Shelter/Fire Chief units. Not everyone can spring for the Kuuma VF. Will be interesting to see how they implemented the stepper motor air inlet.

 

[brenndatomu]

I hope to see Englander offer their manual model furnace again too...they already have the new version of the stove it was based off of (NC30....now the NC32) 2020 certified so...that will probably be the entry level price wise going forward...

 

[Mrpelletburner]

Another season is around the corner and always the same folks to arrive first to the party.

@brenndatomu it's been 2 years, aren't you due for a new unit?

 

[brenndatomu]

Another season is around the corner and always the same folks to arrive first to the party.

@brenndatomu it's been 2 years, aren't you due for a new unit?

Never say never...a good deal doesn't pass me by very often...

 

[lampmfg]

It looks like they are controlling the burn rate with a remote thermostat. If so, are they considering the time when it sits on idle? We would like to see the actual test results.

In the US, all woodburning furnaces must meet all 4 burn categories. Just like the Fire Chief, SF1000E didn't conduct a full idle. The EPA is not supposed to grant EPA (US) certification when this occurs.

The remote stat must be set, so it doesn't adjust the woodburning rate at all during the burn. It has to be disconnected. This is required just in case people overload their furnace for present conditions or if unexpected conditions occur (it warms up). In the "Real World," this will happen frequently. The EPA must know what amount of pollution results when their thermostat doesn't call for heat idling for hours on end.

The full idle burn cat 1 test requires the testing lab to load up the furnace with the required amount for its fire chamber size and run the entire burn with the remote stat disconnected (pollution then?)

 

[Highbeam]

Yep, it looks like it will have a remote thermostat but that doesn't mean it can't idle cleanly. I suspect that the "idle speed" will just be higher until it runs clean enough to pass. Like a noncat woodstove with a stop on the intake setting so you can't go too low.

In the end it will be a furnace that burns hot or hotter to remain clean, just like most noncat stoves. The thermostat will choose between the two levels of hot and not on/off.

 

[brenndatomu]

We would like to see the actual test results.

Those should be available at some point, no?

It looks like they are controlling the burn rate with a remote thermostat

That's why I was a little surprised when I seen the thermocouple...to me going to an O2 sensor is the obvious solution...burn clean at any burn rate...and I don't see where it would be any more complicated or expensive than the existing controls.
My dad and brother have been shopping for a new boiler to replace their old CB smoker...I've been harping on them about getting rid of that inefficient old smoke dragon for years...anyways, they are finally considering it...I went with them to see some gassers in operation...I was highly impressed with the level of control they have with the lambda sensor, no matter the heat load...and the one brand used all off the shelf sensor/controls...stuff can be bought at AutoZone and Grainger...the controller does have a proprietary program though...

 

[JRHAWK9]

It looks like they are controlling the burn rate with a remote thermostat. If so, are they considering the time when it sits on idle? We would like to see the actual test results.

In the US, all woodburning furnaces must meet all 4 burn categories. Just like the Fire Chief, SF1000E didn't conduct a full idle. The EPA is not supposed to grant EPA (US) certification when this occurs.

The remote stat must be set, so it doesn't adjust the woodburning rate at all during the burn. It has to be disconnected. This is required just in case people overload their furnace for present conditions or if unexpected conditions occur (it warms up). In the "Real World," this will happen frequently. The EPA must know what amount of pollution results when their thermostat doesn't call for heat idling for hours on end.

The full idle burn cat 1 test requires the testing lab to load up the furnace with the required amount for its fire chamber size and run the entire burn with the remote stat disconnected (pollution then?)

I smell what you are stepping in.

IIRC, that category 1 burn is the hardest to meet. Pretty much need to burn clean at whatever furnace settings the homeowner has the ability to adjust to when they don't need/want heat....like you said, at full blown idle. It would be like loading up an old school stove/furnace with a firebox full of wood and closing off the primary air damper and still getting a clean burn.

I think the Hy-C appliances actually failed three out of the four categories......and somehow still received certification. I'd like to know who the female "escort" was who they took to the lab with them when they had it tested.

 

[brenndatomu]

• Among the lowest burn rates on the market (firewood savings)

In the description ^ ^ ^...and also noticed...
"Find peace of mind thanks to its self-regulated combustion that allows easy ignition, as well as detection and rectification in the event of a loss of flame. Automated air supply management and flame adjustment to match thermostat demand will give you approved safety, optimized comfort, reduced emissions and minimal maintenance."

Almost sounds like it can relight in the event of flameout?
I see that MFP shows available to ship on 9-3-2020...wonder when we will have our first "help" thread from a new owner?

 

[JRHAWK9]

• Among the lowest burn rates on the market (firewood savings)

In the description ^ ^ ^...and also noticed...
"Find peace of mind thanks to its self-regulated combustion that allows easy ignition, as well as detection and rectification in the event of a loss of flame. Automated air supply management and flame adjustment to match thermostat demand will give you approved safety, optimized comfort, reduced emissions and minimal maintenance."

Almost sounds like it can relight in the event of flameout?
I see that MFP shows available to ship on 9-3-2020...wonder when we will have our first "help" thread from a new owner?

hmmm, "self-regulated combustion" and "rectification in the event of a loss of flame" tells me they are not too confident in their "self-regulated combustion" system!