Improvement of Combustion Air Preheating in Combustion Equipment Using a Heat Pipe

University of Žilina, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Power Engineering, Univerzitná 8215/1, Žilina 010 26, Slovakia

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Abstract

The article examines the innovative use of heat pipe technology for the effective recovery and utilization of waste heat, with a focus on small- scale heat sources where a considerable portion of thermal energy is typically lost. A representative example is the integration of this technology into gas fireplace inserts. Under standard operating conditions, a significant amount of heat generated during combustion escapes through the chimney, contributing to overall energy inefficiency. To mitigate this loss, a heat recovery system is proposed, incorporating an evaporator positioned in the upper section of the fireplace insert. This component captures the excess thermal energy produced during gas combustion. The absorbed heat is then transported via a sealed heat pipe to the condenser section. Strategically placed in the air intake pathway, the condenser transfers the recovered heat to the incoming combustion air, thereby preheating it before it enters the combustion chamber. This preheating process leads to a notable improvement in the overall thermal efficiency of the system, as a portion of the otherwise wasted energy is reintegrated into the combustion cycle. As a result, fuel consumption is reduced, operating costs are lowered, and the environmental impact is minimized due to decreased emissions and improved energy utilization. Heat pipe-based heat recovery thus represents a practical and energy-efficient solution for residential heating systems, offering both ecological and economic benefits.