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Title: Development of a pulse-combustion space heater. Final report, March 1982-April 1987

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6046300

A high-efficiency pulse-combustion space heater was developed over a five-year period. Initially, a cast combustor unit was designed that operated with a thermal efficiency in excess of 90% at an input rate of 18,000 Btu/hr. This model was successfully tested in the field during the 1983/1984 heating season. During the 1984/1985 season, these units were used to prove the concept of heating substantially all of a residence with a space heater, thereby reducing the load on the central furnace. A new participating manufacturer joined the program in early 1985. The unit was redesigned to allow fabrication by stamping and room humidification by evaporation of condensate. Extensive sound-attenuation work succeeded in reducing sound levels to as low as 56 dBA. The redesigned units operated with a thermal efficiency in excess of 90% at an input rate of 20,000 Btu/hr. They were successfully tested in the field during the 1985/1986 heating season. The participating manufacturer conducted additional field experiments during the 1986/1987 heating season, and expects commercialization in 1988.

Research Organization:
American Gas Association Labs., Cleveland, OH
OSTI ID:
6046300
Report Number(s):
PB-87-218145/XAB
Resource Relation:
Other Information: See also report for Jan 1983-May 1984, PB--85-149730
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English