I've been pondering about the air controls for my OWB for a while (and maybe even mentioned it on other threads already.) My thought is to have a multi-stage controller that will do the following:
Does anyone use this type of system? Or have something better? Thanks for your input.
View attachment 270235
- Open the damper solenoid when the water temperature falls below 145F. I think in many instances this will allow enough air to burn without replacing all of the hot air in the fire chamber with cold air.
- Turn on the fan when the water temperature falls below 140F. This would add air to the fire in the instances where natural draft was not enough to keep up or was needed to start idle coals.
- Turn off the fan and close the damper solenoid when the water temperature falls below 135F. This would indicate that the fire was out or the wood was low and would allow the system to idle without continuing to blow cold air into the fire chamber thus further cooling the water.
- Turn off the fan and close the damper solenoid when the water temperature reaches 150F. This means the water is up to operating temperature and no additional air is required.
Does anyone use this type of system? Or have something better? Thanks for your input.
View attachment 270235