Bio ethanol fireplaces
Contents |
Bio fuel
Bio fuels are fuels created from living matter, such as plants, through processes such as agriculture and anaerobic digestion. Conventional bio fuels are manufactured from sugar, starch or vegetable oil.
Unlike coal and petroleum, which are fossil fuels, bio fuels can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Bio ethanol
The most common bio fuel, bio ethanol is an alcohol produced by fermentation from carbohydrates, usually found in sugar and starch crops such as sugarcane, potatoes and sweet sorghum.
This bio fuel produces 12% less greenhouse gas emissions than the production and combustion of diesel, and it contains approximately 34% less energy per unit volume than gasoline.
It can be used in its pure form or as a gasoline additive in vehicles and is most common in the USA and Brazil. Brazil was the first country to produce a vehicle that ran entirely on ethanol – the Fiat 147, which was manufactured in 1978.
Bio ethanol fireplaces
Ethanol can also be used to fuel bio ethanol fireplaces, which do not need a chimney. These fireplaces can be added anywhere in the house because of this. The flame emitted in a bio ethanol fireplace is real and the burner can take on a variety of shapes and sizes, according to the owners’ specifications.
The emissions of bio ethanol fireplaces are mainly composed of water vapour and CO2 – two medium-sized candles will release the same amount of carbon dioxide.
Other substances include carbon monoxide and aldehyde, which is not emitted until combustion reaches 700ºC. The temperature of bio fireplaces is under 400ºC.
Advantages of bio ethanol fireplaces
There is no need for ventilation or remodelling when installing a bio ethanol fireplace. They are also considered by some to be safer than conventional fireplaces, as no smoke or smells are produced, but the warmth they emit is virtually the same as more traditional fireplaces.
The design options available are virtually unlimited, as there are no restrictions placed on the installation of bio ethanol fireplaces. They are free standing, so they can be placed anywhere, whether indoors or outdoors – and moved to any desired location at will.
In addition, bio ethanol fires can be used in architectural settings as aesthetic elements.
Bio ethanol fireplaces are cost-effective, so they can be used for several hours every day without becoming more expensive than other types of fires. And as long as instructions are followed, bio ethanol fires are safe.
--Real Flame 14:09, 15 Nov 2016 (BST)
Find out more
Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Comments