Here are some quick questions to help me in the design of a rocket mass stove to heat my home. See what you can contribute:
1. Is there a simple way to draw in outside air for combustion at the point of intake [thus, eliminating negative air pressure in the home], either by pipe/duct work for combustion air at the place where the sticks are inserted?
2. is there a way to measure the heat output or to calculate the size of the chamber, piping diameter and volume of the mass area needed to adequately heat the area intended and function properly?
3. Can one or more glass blocks be used in the design to view the combustion area, for lighting/viewing purposes?
4. Can an existing roof exhaust vent stack be used to vent the gasses/steam, or would it be advisable to directly exhaust it out through a vertical wall, immediately from the 'mass'?
5. Besides cobb, is there any other material[s] that can be used to create a decorative bench, without detracting from the thermal properties and effectiveness of radiated heat by the thermal mass? Like stone or marble tile, plaster to create a sculpted or pillar effect.
6. Can you interweave copper piping [1/2"or 3/4"] in the area of the thermal mass or stove/combustion area [unexposed-for esthetic reasons] to heat water to assist in radiated heating [I have an existing boiler with zoned radiator baseboard heat], or to assist in hot water heat for my existing tank?
7. Lastly, any thoughts on having which would be easier for maintenance/clean out without compromising safety: a steel barrel with a removable lid [secured with a steel bold and metal ring] or simply a solid steel barrel?
Thanks,
~Mark B
