A rocket mass heater is an innovative and highly efficient heating system that burns wood more completely and uses the heat more effectively than conventional wood stoves. It’s a great option for outdoor spaces like patios or greenhouses.
Materials Needed:
- 55-gallon drum
- Metal pipes (various sizes)
- Fire bricks
- Insulating material (vermiculite, perlite)
- Clay and sand (for cob)
Method:
- Build the Combustion Chamber: Use fire bricks to create a J-shaped combustion chamber. This chamber will house the fire and direct the hot gases through the system.
- Construct the Heat Riser: The heat riser, made from insulated metal pipes, sits on top of the combustion chamber. This part ensures that the gases burn completely and generate maximum heat.
- Install the 55-Gallon Drum: Place the drum over the heat riser. The drum captures and radiates the heat, providing warmth to the surrounding area.
- Create the Thermal Mass: Surround the system with a thermal mass made from cob (a mixture of clay, sand, and straw). This mass stores heat and releases it slowly over time.
Rocket mass heaters are highly efficient and can burn up to 90% of the wood’s energy content, making them an eco-friendly option for outdoor heating.