Wood Pellet Boilers

vincenzolorenzo

Hi all,

I am currently doing a PhD in domestic boiler emissions and am trying to set up a wood pellet boiler test rig. I have looked into a number of different manufacturers, eg-Gerkros, Varimatik, KWB, etc.

I was wondering if anyone out there has any advice on which one would be a good buy?
Anyone with good/bad experiences of a particular make of boiler?
Any information at all would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Stephen

milanac

just some quick points

Went with grant scheme with SEI last summer:
Too much paperwork/fone calls in setting up/commisioning boiler, major hassle before even turning it on.
Supplier (wont name them for now) were very unprofessional: Boiler broke down and took weeks to get someone out to look at it.

Pellet boilers are still fairly unknown quantity, some points..
Hard to get any advice - if an oil burner breaks down/has an issue they are any number of plumbers etc to call on, there is no local knowledge of pellet boilers.
Wood pellet quality - only one supplier of pellets in my town and they only supply by the bag which is dearer and inconvienent. Am just after finding out that even these are of poor quality
Heating efficiency - the boiler needs to be set up properly & kept clean (fair enough) but eats a large amount of pellets over the colder months.

Basically, If I knew there would be this much trouble with the boiler I would probably have gone for oil .. even though in a few years time when pellet boilers take a larger share of market many of the issues will iron themselves out..

ardara1

Contact East Down Institute in Downpatrick - they have the contract for installation training for biomass in NI - they know their stuff!

TheHamster

I have had a Baxi Muiltiheat installed for about 15 months, and find it exceptionally efficient and cost effective.
Installation was no worse than for a conventional burner

If you require any specifics, PM me
Also if you want to see it in action I am based in Co Laois, and would be happy to let you see it

vincenzolorenzo

Thanks Hamster, i've sent you a PM there now

iei044775

Paradigma from Germany are reportedly the Rolls-Royce of the wood pellet boiler systems. They have an Irish distributer - Ulltech.

balrog

does anyone now a comapny that sells an american style wood pellt stove with boiler. I dont like these italian ones to plastic fantastic

yakyak

Can anyone help out. Just noticed a high level of dampness on the inside of doors on my viadrus pellet boiler. very concerned as to potential damage. just learnt over internet that the return temperature of water should ideally be above 40 degrees as colder return water will cause build up of c'sation. i am confused and equally concerned,,boiler sometimes blows back smoke into pellet store (back through auger) seems to be so difficult to set this damned thing up for sfficiency.
any ideas, similar issues!!!

Thanks.

@40c

You could fit a thermostatic mixing valve that will "short circuit" hot water from the flow to the return thus ensuring that the return is always @40c.

blackbox

yakyak wrote: »

,boiler sometimes blows back smoke into pellet store (back through auger)

Thanks.

Blowback sounds like a problem with your flue - does it only happen when wind is in certain direction, or if very windy?

Assuming it's not totally undersized, low inlet water temperature should only occur for a short while after lighting up (and thermo mixing valve would help) unless you have a "direct" water cylinder, and that is very unusual these days. Could be that you need to balance the heating system (pump flow setting, radiator balancing valves).

Are your radiators getting hot OK?