This would be neat...
 

an integrated micro energy system run off wood. The unit would heat your home directly, generate electricy indirectly through steam generation. I think this could be done highly effeciently as well if done correctly. Always use ultra dry wood, cut small stacked in burner optimizing air flow to produce really hot fire. This is how the masonry heater works. A really hot fire heats up the masony in a two hour burn, then the masony gives off heat for 12 hours, very effient.

Long term I think it would be cheaper solution for land owners with access to free wood. If it would only catch on and bring cost of unit down through mass production.

Re: This would be neat...
 

I am planning on using steam to run a blower from a wood burner.

Re: This would be neat...
 

you mean like a fan that blows air, or some sort of pwer generator?

Re: This would be neat...
 

A fan that blows air. Basically a way to heat the whole building when there is absolutely no electric available. The steam engine would circulate the heated air.

Re: This would be neat...
 

Re: This would be neat...
 

A good idea, but I would not want to have a boiler capable of such high pressure inside my house. My blower design would not require such high pressure.

Re: This would be neat...
 

Um, nice thought, but you need to have higher pressures to move a turbine to create electricity.

Then - what ya gonna do with the steam? That is the problem with small applications, you need a large enough heat sink (or square footage) to efficiently use the boiler system heating steam to then heat or cool a large area after you have created electricity.

Solar power and batteries to move fans and have lighting/get off the grid is probably best for small applications.

Just my $.02 :ok: