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Masonry Heaters: A Bit of a History

Wednesday, August 14, 2024 6:06

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Comments on my Summer Project List Progress post expressed an interest in our masonry heat stove project. In the US (Canada too?) we are probably more familiar with either fireplaces or what we call a wood stove, which is a cast iron box with a chimney sticking out the top. Masonry type heaters, on the other hand, is more popular in other parts of the world.

The technology for this method of heating is quite ancient. Wikipedia reckons there were forerunners of it as early as 5000 BC. The gist of the masonry stove is that they are designed to retain heat for as long as possible. This is basically accomplished by two things. One is an indirect pathway for the heat and smoke. The second is a thermal mass, which is basically something to retain the heat so that it radiates slowly to the house. Commonly, it’s an empty box. Something like this . . .

Lucien Clem, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Because it retains and radiates heat so well, a masonry heater typically only needs a fire twice a day. You can see how this would save on wood. There are many styles to accomplish this, and following are some examples.

This one is a typical Eurpoean Kachelofen (tiled stove). Usually these are quite huge and ornate.

CC BY 2.0, Werner Kratz, via Wikimedia Commons

Here’s a modern version, without tiles.

CC BY-SA 3.0, Alex South, via Wikimedia Commons

In ancient China, the masonry heater was called a Kang, with the thermal mass fashioned like a large platform. This artist’s sketch was made in 1851.

Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

It was used for heat, cooking, sitting, and comfortable sleeping, like this modern version in a Chinese hostel.

Yoshi Canopus, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A modern adaptation of the masonry principles is the Rocket Mass Heater, where the thermal mass becomes an area for seating.

Derrick Parker, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Lots of interesting examples at permies.com.

The innards of the RMH are a bit different, although the principles of heat retention and thermal mass are the same.

Source: Rocket Mass Heaters by Ianto Evans and Lesile Jackson. Click to enlarge

As you can see, a different path for the smoke and heat, but it accomplishes the same heat retention. An improvement on this design is the firebox/riser, with it’s swirly smoke path. This burns the wood gases like a catalytic combustor, which in turn creates more heat and cleaner smoke.

One more example, of a modern masonry stove that combines features.

Waroomniet, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It combines thermal mass with a bench/single bed, plus an oven! Some of them include cooktops.

Credit: Ernie and Erica Wisner.

The design Dan is using is one of the many recent adaptations of the masonry stove principles. More on that soon.

Masonry Heaters: A Bit of a History © Aug 2024

by Leigh at http://www.5acresandadream.com

Source: https://www.5acresandadream.com/2024/08/masonry-heaters-bit-of-history.html

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Comments

Total 1 comment

westgate

Ancient old world technology. The Russian frontiersmen knew how to build these furnaces, and would build the furnace first, then build the house around it. Every old house in rural Russia has one, including the huge, ornate buildings.

Aug 14, 2024, 11:08 am 0 Reply

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