
5. Heat Exchanger Option & Reflections on a Manual Diesel Stove
A. If you have ordered your HERRING with the optional pair of hydronic heat
exchangers, here are a few recommendations. First, as the design and
implementation of a radiant hydronic system can be a complex undertaking,
please make sure you have your intended system designed by and or
reviewed by a qualified technician. This will save many hours of possibly
having to reconfigure plumbing/components to achieve your desired heating
results. It’s not necessarily an inexpensive prospect to have to redo things!
The flat SS “tanks” which have a serpentine flow path built into them are
intended for integration into an “open” loop heating system. Please
consult the following reference for clarification:
http://www.home-heating-systems-and-solutions.com/hydronic-heating-
system-expansion-tank.html
The stove may be operated indefinitely with the tanks in an empty state.
Do not “cap-off” the pipe nipples on the backside of the stove when
running the stove dry or with any residual fluid within the exchangers.
Irregardless of overall system design, a temperature and pressure relief
valve or equivalent must be integrated into the heating circuit.
Currently, Navigator Stove’s efforts towards supplying hydronic components
& the associated design of systems ends at the ½” IPS stub outs on the back
of the stove. While we are infinitely fascinated with all that lies past this
border, the making of stoves is our primary goal and we have chosen to set
boundaries to keep our focus.
The ratings for heat output of the exchangers has not been established as
yet. As soon as NSW has any quantitative data or user testimonials as to
general heat output we will be happy to furnish this information.
B. In this modern world where electronic circuits are prompted by sensors
and timers to do this or that job automatically, conversely this stove is
dependent on you for proper operation. You are its ‘brain box” rather than
relying on a printed circuit board full of components to carry out the work.
The operation of a liquid fuel stove is different from the operation of a wood
fired stove. The operator of a manual Diesel stove is responsible for setting
up a stable condition where fuel and air flow rates are optimized to produce a
consistent clean burn. For the sailors out there, one may use the analogy of
balancing head sail to mainsail to direct the boat on a stable course
WITHOUT the use of the tiller. Get the balance right with air to fuel ratio, and
the HERRING will keep a very steady course as long as fuel is present.
Please be sure to shut down the stove when you plan to be away from it for
any length of time. Conditions can change and the stove may need you
there to put things right.
Overall, the HERRING has been designed using a reductive approach – strip
away anything that is not essential for dependable operation. We hope you
enjoy this piece of hardware and come to appreciate its simplicity & beauty.
18