Importance

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Abstract

This invention is directed to a fireplace heat exchanger and air conducting means arranged and constructed to recover and utilize substantial quantities of heat energy which normally would be expelled to the outside atmosphere via the flue. This assemblage includes a heat exchanger surface which increases the quantity of heat being transferred from the combustion gases of the fuel being burned in the combustion chamber of a fireplace to the air passing through the heat exchanger. The assemblage is capable of being constructed as an insert module assembly for use with an existing fireplace or may be constructed as original equipment in prefabricated and ceramic fireplaces. The heat exchanger surface is formed having an increased surface area greater than the surface area of the rear wall of the combustion chamber and is provided with vertically oriented gas pathways so that a greater quantity of heat energy stored in the flue gases can be transferred from the combustion gases on the one side of the heat exchanger surface to the air to be heated on the other side thereof. The heat exchanger surface is made of a relatively lightweight metallic material in order to offer minimum thermal resistance to the heat flow. An air conducting means having inlet air and outlet air ducts coupled to each side of the heat exchanger module is provided to conduct air to be heated into and away from the heat exchanger. Air control means including a fan mounted in fluid communication with the heat exchanger and air conducting means is provided to regulate and proportion outside and/or room air entering the heat exchanger.

First Claim