how it works
Corn heating units have become increasingly more
| Graphic courtesy of Fahrenheit Technologies, Inc. |
efficient over the past decade as a result of technological advances. Shelled corn is typically delivered from a local farmer or dealer and is stored on-site for larger units. In some instances the corn is stored in a metal or plastic bin which helps to protect the corn against moisture and pests. For smaller units, corn can be bought by the bag usually in 50 lb increments. For a list of sellers of corn, click on the sellers link to the left.
Corn can either be manually dumped into the hopper on the bin or an auger can be used to transport the corn directly from the bin to the hopper. Temperature controls determine how much corn is added into the pot. The speed of the auger is adjustable to regulate the amount of corn burned, which in turn controls the amount of heat produced. There are some corn heating units designed with computers that monitor the temperature and signal the auger to automatically transport more corn to the pot when needed. This allows the system to automatically adjust to the temperature in the room or building.
Since corn will not burn readily in an open pile in the fire chamber, some manufacturers use a small combustion chamber into which the corn is fed and air is pumped through. In order to support combustion, oxygen is blown into the combustion chamber by a small fan. The air is usually brought in from outside and is not typically air from inside the room. The combustion chamber is actually quite small and could easily fit into a child's lunch box.
Inside the unit, a heat exchanger is used to remove heat from the flue gases and heat the room air. A fan is used to move the room air through the stove where it is warmed. This fan may also help in moving the heat further away from the stove.
By-Product
As corn burns, it produces a by-product commonly known as clinker, which is a hard ash-like material. Clinker is mainly made up of silicon dioxide, so it is essentially a glass-like substance. Depending on the size of the unit, the clinker may have to be removed daily or weekly. A specifically designed poker is used to suspend the clinker, and then tongs are used to remove it.
Once the clinker has been removed from the unit, it can be placed on grass or a garden. Clinker can be used as an acid neutralizer and therefore can act as a soil stabilizer. It will act as a fertilizer for grasses and flowers.
Maintenance
Like any other furnace or heating unit, corn heating units require minimal maintenance. Corn heating units do require more maintenance than using propane or natural gas. In addition to having to add the corn and removing the clinker, the units need annual routine maintenance.
Each year, the unit should be inspected to ensure that all components including the hearth, connecting pipe, air inlets, vents, and the auger are functioning efficiently and safely. The fans and motors should be inspected and maintained regularly.
Cleaning out the inside of the stove with a wire brush to help remove buildup will also help heat your home or building more efficiently.