Question from a beginner

Hello!

I'm interested in building a rocket mass heater eventually. I'll be getting videos and books eventually. I'm not thrilled at the prospect of cutting a hole in my wall, so I had a crazy idea to design a fully indoor RMH that I wanted to run past someone smarter than me. Would it be possible to harness the small amount of smoke that does exit the RMH?

To my understanding there is a process by which the wood gas of burning wood is distilled or harvested. Does all of the wood gas get burned up in rocket mass heaters, or is there still some residuals that could be harvested at the end of the chimney, thus giving the possibility to design a completely indoor rocket mass heater? It would be cool to end up with another output besides heat and ash.... wood gas!

Thanks for helping!

Kelly

In the absolute best case,  the exhaust is water vapour and Carbon dioxide (toxic in higher concentrations). But you will probably also get carbon monoxide (toxic) and other combustion products (also toxic). Then there is startup and shutdown… which are extra rich in the latter products…
So it would be either deadly or super deadly.

Hi Kelly; Welcome to Permies!

I'm afraid your idea is not safe. Sebastian described it perfectly. During startup in particular, carbon monoxide would fill your room.
If you want a rmh your going to need a chimney to the outdoors.

You were concerned about putting a chimney thru a window.  A chimney works best put thru a roof... (even scarier)
Sounds like you have time to decide what you need to do.
Watch the videos, read the book , ask questions , the answers will present themselves.