Patent Publication Number: US-2023160582-A1

Title: Pellet stove

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 63/282,718, titled PELLET STOVE, filed Nov. 24, 2021, of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     A pellet stove is a stove that burns compressed wood or biomass pellets as fuel to generate heat, often for residential, recreational, and sometimes commercial/industrial spaces. A steady flow of fuel is provided from a storage container to the combustion chamber, which produces a steady flame with little to no intervention by a user/operator. The amount of heat provided is often controlled by the flow rate of fuel, and/or an amount of combustion air provided into the combustion chamber. Some residential central heating systems can be operated using a wood pellet stove as a renewable energy source, some even achieving an efficiency of more than eighty percent. Pellet stoves will release typical combustion exhaust gases and other products from burning biomass, such as CO 2  and other combustion gases, along with carbon and fly ash. 
     SUMMARY 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     One or more techniques and systems are described herein for a pellet stove that can be controlled remotely using a wireless communication network. That is, for example, current and historical status information can be communicated over a wireless (e.g., local or remote) network to a user&#39;s computing device, such as a smart phone. The user can receive the information about the status of the stove, and can monitor and update the functionality of the stove. As an example, the user may preselect a heating program based on time and temperature, may adjust the temperature, can adjust a fan speed, a fueling rate, and other functions of the stove. 
     In one implementation of a pellet stove that provides heat to a heated space, the pellet stove is remotely controllable by a user connected to a network to which the stove is connected. In this implementation, the stove comprises a combustion chamber in which pellet fuel is combusted to generate heat at a heat exchanger. The pellet fuel is provided to the chamber by an auger that transports fuel from a storage hopper. Combustion gas is exhausted out of the stove, and convection air is drawn across the heat exchanger to generate heated air that is vented out into the heated space. Further, the stove has a control unit that comprises memory on which is resident programming that, when activated, provides functionality for the stove; and a processor that is used to process data and the programming to provide the functionality for the stove. Additionally, a wireless communications module is coupled with the control unit. The wireless communications module is operably, wirelessly coupled with a local or remote network to provide information to and receive information from a computing device such that a user can interact with the computing device to remotely control the functionality of the stove and receive status information for the stove. 
     To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the following description and annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative aspects and implementations. These are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which one or more aspects may be employed. Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the annexed drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a component diagram illustrating an example pellet stove where one or more portions of one or more techniques and/or one or more systems described herein may be implemented. 
         FIG.  2    is a component diagram illustrating an example pellet stove where one or more portions of one or more techniques and/or one or more systems described herein may be implemented. 
         FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  are diagrams illustrating an example implementation of a display screen where one or more portions of the systems described herein may be implemented. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are generally used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subject matter. 
     A pellet stove can be devised that provides exquisite control, functionality, and overall ease of use for the user. Typical pellet stove technology can be included, such as a stove that comprises a burner box, where combustion of the fuel takes place, a fuel feeder component that provides fuel to the burner box at a predetermined rate, a fuel hopper that stores bulk fuel, and an exhaust system that removes exhaust gases created by combustion. Additionally, in this implementation, a control unit can be used to exercise fine-grained control over the functions of the stove, based at least on user input, environmental conditions, and data indicative of conditions of the stove. Further, the control unit may be communicatively coupled with a local and/or remote device/system to provide remote control and allow a user to view settings and use conditions. 
     In some implementations, a pellet stove comprises a combustion chamber, inside which is disposed a fire pot. Combustion occurs in the fire pot, and is supported by outside air that is introduced into the combustion chamber, and fuel introduced into the fire pot. In some implementations, combustion air will be introduced into the combustion chamber at the top of the stove door, for example, to help keep ash and debris from accumulating on the door, and obscure visibility. An exhaust blower draws combustion products from the combustion chamber and directs it out of venting, such as at the rear or top of the stove. The venting is typically coupled with a vent/chimney that leads to the outside of an occupied space. 
     A hopper or storage bin is disposed in, or coupled with, the stove, where bulk fuel material can be stored. The hopper is typically tapered toward the bottom to allow the fuel pellets to flow downward. An auger is disposed in an auger tube, and rotation of the auger collects fuel from the hopper and transfers it to a fuel chute that leads to the fire pot. That is, fuel pellets can be lifted from the bottom of the hopper, and dropped into a fuel chute that leads to the fire pot. The pellets are dropped into the fire pot where combustion occurs, and is sustained. In some implementations, a convection blower can propagate air (e.g., from outside, and/or recirculated from the occupied space) along the outside of the combustion chamber, where it is heated from the heat of the chamber, and is directed into the occupied space to provide heat. The convection blown air is not mixed with combustion gases, and merely passes along heated places in the stove to become heated air. 
     In one implementation, the hopper can be filled with appropriate fuel pellets, and the power button can be pressed to begin activation of the stove. In this implementation, the stove comprises a control unit that comprise a microcontroller, comprising memory and at least one processor. Data indicative of one or more programs can be stored in the memory, where the programs are configured to operably direct the stove to perform specific functions, based on preprogrammed events, and/or data indicative of real-time information from the environment, the stove, and/or user input. The processor(s) can be configured to operably run the program(s) using input data, which may comprise timed events, sensor data, user input, etc. As an example, when the power button is operated, thereby powering up the stove, the following programs may be run, resulting in certain functions in the stove. 
     A cleaning cycle can be activated, where one or more components (e.g., fans, actuators, etc.) actively remove (e.g., draw out) dust, ash and other remnants from the fire pot. In this way, a substantially clean fire pot is positioned to begin a new combustion cycle. A fuel feeding cycle can begin, where the auger is operated to draw pellets from the hopper to the chute, and into the (clean) fire pot. As an example, depending on the type and size of stove, the cycle may run for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 1-20 mins.) sufficient to provide enough pellets to the fire pots to begin and initially sustain combustion. A lighting cycle can operate, where an ignition source is provided to the fire pot. 
     As an example, an electrically powered hot surface can be operated that heats the pellets to combustion in the fire pot. In other example, a gas-powered flame, a plasma arc, or other ignition source may be provided. In this example, the ignition source can be operated for a sufficient amount of time to generate sufficient combustion. In one implementation, the temperature of the exhaust gases (e.g., smoke) can be detected, and when a threshold temperature is met that is indicative of sufficient combustion (e.g., sufficient to continue to burn), the ignitor cycle may be ended. That is, for example, a temperature sensor may be disposed in the exhaust flue, and the temperature sensor can send data indicative of the temperature to the control unit. The control unit can use the data to determine when to turn the ignitor cycle off (e.g., using the program running on the processor). In some examples, the ignition cycle may run for about 8 minutes. 
     Further, in some implementations, a stabilization cycle may begin. In this implementation, the stove/heater can use a preselected temperature (e.g., preprogrammed, and/or from user input) to fine tune the output of the stove/heater. That is, for example, the user may select a desired temperature output (e.g., using a remote, connected device, or on stove UI), and/or a desired temperature for the occupied space, and the stove/heater can set operation of the stove components to settings that are configured to achieve the preselected temperature. For example, the flow rate of fuel, that is the amount of fuel moved from the hopper to the fire pot per time unit (e.g., pounds per hour) can be adjusted to meet the desired temperature (e.g., based on predetermined calibration); the flow rate/amount of combustion air introduced to the combustion chamber can be adjusted; the flow rate of the exhaust flow; and the flow rate of the convection air can all be adjusted to meet the desired temperature. 
     In order to power down the pellet stove, for example, the power button can be actuated (e.g., pressed) by the user, and the stove can progress through a shut-down procedure, such as one stored in memory and processed by the processor on the control unit. In this example, fuel remaining in the fire pot can continue to burn and produce heat and flame. The auger that directs fuel to the fire pot from the hopper will discontinue operation so that no new fuel is added to the fire pot. After a period of time (e.g., 5-8 minutes) the fuel in the fire pot will be depleted, and the heat exchanger may begin to cool. Further, in this example, once the stove temperature has reached a predetermined threshold temperature (e.g., cooled to a desired point), a message can be displayed on the display screen that alerts the user that the shutdown has completed (e.g., “shut down complete;” “goodbye;” etc.). 
     In some implementations, the stove may be a “smart stove” with wireless communications capabilities. That is, for example, the stove may comprise a Wi-Fi (e.g., or Bluetooth, or other short-range communications protocol) communications module that is coupled with the control unit. In this way, for example, the stove can be communicatively coupled with a local and/or remote network to send and receive data from a coupled device (e.g., computer, portable smart device, server, cloud-based application, etc.). As an example, the local or remote communication may provide enhanced capabilities for the use of the stove by a user. 
     In one example, the stove may be monitored, controlled, and/or programmed by using a “smart stove” application on a user&#39;s smart device (e.g., phone). The application may be resident on a remote server and available for the user to download or access through a remote communications protocol (e.g., the Internet, cloud-based services, etc.). In this implementation, the user may be provided a unique identification (e.g., password) for the stove, which enables them to access features of the stove remotely. As an example, the communications module on the stove, in conjunction with the control unit, can help pair the stove with the local network, and with the local device using the unique identification. 
     Using the application, a user may be able to change the name and/or identification of the stove, which may be useful if the user has more than one stove or smart device connected in the application. In some implementations, the connection with the stove may be shared with other devices by sending the connection information to a third-party. Using the application, the user can select a predetermined temperature and/or operation setting for the stove, which can be programmed into the control unit remotely. For example, the user can select a desired room temperature, and the stove will be programmed to operate (e.g., feed fuel, fun the fans, etc.) at least until the desired temperature is met (e.g., determined using a temperature sensor that communicates with the control unit). In some implementations the stove and application may have an “ECO Mode” that be selected to conserve fuel and/or electricity while maintaining the desired predetermined temperature. For example, selecting the ECO Mode button on the application (e.g., or external user interface of the stove) can put the stove into “ECO Mode.” In this made, the stove will shut off when the desired temperature is reached, and turn back on when the temperature drops to a preset factory setting. In a second ECO mode, the stove can activate a minimum power setting that provides enough electrical power to minimally operate once the stove has reached the desired temperature. When it drops to the preset factory level, a higher power setting can be activated until the desired temperature is met once more. 
     In some implementations, the stove&#39;s setting using that remote communication may comprise a preset number of configurations. For example, the various configuration ay adjust the speed of the combustion fan and the room air circulation fan to adjust the amount of power and fuel used. As one example, a preset # 1  may comprise maximum power use; preset # 2  may comprise medium power use; preset # 3  may comprise low power use; and preset # 4  may comprise minimum power use. 
       FIGS.  1  and  2    are component diagrams that illustrate one example implementation of a pellet stove, as described herein. In conjunction with the description above, the pellet stove  100  typically comprises an outer metal housing  102 , and a door  104  that sometimes has a window  106 . A fire pot ( 1 )  108  is disposed inside the combustion chamber  110  (e.g., or firebox), and the fuel chute  112  leads fuel pellets  150  from the auger  114  to the fire pot  108 . The hopper  116  is used for bulk storage of fuel pellets  150  and has an opening in the bottom ( 3 ) to release pellets from bulk storage to the auger  114 , where they are taken up by the and dropped into the chute  112 . The auger  114  is a rotating screw with thread-like protrusions to drive the fuel upward, which is operated by an electrically power motor  128 . The hopper  116  can comprise a shape that tapers from the top to the bottom to provide for more reliable pellet transfer to the auger  114 . 
     Further, in this implementation, combustion or intake air  152  can be drawn in to the combustion chamber  110  from an intake vent  118  that leads from outside the stove (e.g., from the surrounding environment (room) or outside the heated space). Exhaust gases  154  are expelled from the combustion and drawn out ( 2 ) of the stove  100 , and out of the heated space, to the outside (e.g., out of the building) through an exhaust vent  120 . An exhaust fan  122  operates to help draw the exhaust gases  154  out through the exhaust vent  120 . In some implementations, an exhaust sensor module can be configured to detect conditions of the exhaust gases  154 , such as temperature, constituent chemicals (e.g., CO, CO 2 , O 2 , particulate, etc.). As an example, the collected sensor data may be used by the control unit  126  to update or alter stove settings, such as fuel consumption (e.g., auger motor speed/timing), fan speed (e.g., intake and exhaust), and other settings; and may be part of monitoring data (e.g., temperature of combustion) sent to the user&#39;s remote device. Additionally, the exhaust sensor data may provide early warning that combustion is not performing within a desired or predetermined manner (e.g., incomplete), which may indicate a problem with the stove&#39;s operation. 
     The stove can also comprise a convection or room air fan  130  that draws air in ( 4 ) from the surrounding area (e.g., the heated space), such as through vents and openings in the housing  102 , and directs it around the outside of the combustion chamber/firebox  110 . In this way, for example, the room air becomes heated air  156  at a heat exchange area  132 , and is directed out of heating vents  134  into the heated space. In some implementations, a room heat sensor module may be used to detect the temperature (e.g., and other characteristics such as constituents) of the heated air  156 . As an example, the heated air data can be used to adjust settings of the stove, and/or be provide to the user on a display screen  138  or the remote device. In some implementations, door vents  140  can be disposed at a perimeter of the door  104  to allow make-up air  158  to be drawn over the inside of the door to mitigate buildup of soot, carbon, fly ash, smoke, etc. 
       FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  are diagrams illustrating an example display screen  300  that may be disposed in/on a pellet stove described herein. In this example implementation, the display screen may be resident on a top or side portion of the stove such that a user may be able to readily access and view the screen  300 . As an example, the display screen may be disposed proximate the control unit (e.g.,  126  of  FIG.  2   ) in an area of the stove that is subjected to less heat than other portions of the stove (e.g., above the hopper). In this example, a display screen  300  can comprise a touch-enabled screen that displays information, widgets, and other portions of a user interface (UI) that enables a user to view information and interact with elements on the screen. In other implementations, the screen may comprise a display portion and an interaction portion that utilizes physical buttons or switches instead of on-screen interactive elements. 
     As illustrated, a first display  302  on the screen  300  comprises a number of informational elements and some interactive elements. In this implementation, a desired temperature  304  (e.g., as preset by the user) can be displayed to show a temperature preference. In one example, to select the desired temperature  304  the user can press their finger on the outer ring of the temperature widget  306  (e.g., displaying the actual, current temperature) and rotate around the wheel to the selected, desired temperature. In this way, the desired temperature provides an interactive and informational element. Further, a power activation element  308  (e.g., button) can be pressed to power on the stove, and pressed to power off the stove. 
     A temperature status button  310  can be used to view temperature readings of the stove, and can display the exhaust vent temperature, the hopper protection temperature, and a number of hours that the stove has run. A setting button  312  can be activated to enter a settings mode for the stove, described below. Further, when in the settings menu, the user can select between different modes of operation for the stove, such as ECO mode, set stir time for the hopper, along with exhaust fan and blower settings. A scheduling button  314  can be selected to enter desired run times for the stove, selected from a separate menu. A lock button  316  may be used to activate a lock screen, and/or may illuminate when the display  302  is locked in a programming mode. An Auger button  318  can be used to directly engage the auger, such as to add or stop adding more fuel to the fire pot, for example, to pre-feed the pot or load the auger with fuel prior to lighting. A wireless connection element  320  can be illuminated when the stove has a wireless connection with a local or remote network. A rate select element  322  can be used to toggle between a plurality of configurable heating presets, with the currently set preset displayed in the element between the up and down buttons. The up and down buttons may be used to alter settings of the heating presets, and/or select a desired preset. 
       FIG.  3 B  illustrates the screen  300  with a user menu  330 . The user menu can display interactive elements and information that a user may utilize to adjust the settings of the stove, such as the temperature, mode of operation, auger operation and stir times of the hopper, exhaust fan settings, convection blower setting, amongst others. 
     In some implementations, the stove can comprise local or remote network communications, such as to a local network and local smart device, and/or to a remote network (e.g., Internet, cellular network) for remote access using a computer or smart device. The stove may be networked to a local (e.g., or remote) network using one or more settings (e.g., presets) that can be accessed from the display screen  300 . Once a network connection is established with the stove, a user can utilize an application on their smart device to control and adjust some functionality of the stove. For example, the name of the device can be edited to create one that the user may recognize or organize multiple stoves. Further, the connection with the stove can be shared with third parties by sending identification information to those parties, who could access the stove through the app using their own smart device. 
     The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. Further, At least one of A and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims may generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. 
     Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. 
     Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary implementations of the disclosure. In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “having,” “has,” “with,” or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” 
     The implementations have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.