Computer simulation of a woodstove thermal storage system

A simulation program has been developed to study the use of thermal storage for residential woodstoves. The behavior of thermal storage under the woodstove operating conditions, i.e. variable heat flux, was well-represented, and the parameters affecting its performance in both charge and discharge modes were qualitatively identified. The analysis showed that the spacing between the thermal storage mass and the stove significantly affects the room temperature during the charge mode, while the thickness of the thermal storage mass has a moderate effect during the discharge mode. Simulations with different stove sizes established an upper limit on thermal mass thickness of about 11″ and a lower limit on spacing of about 3″. The program is capable of selecting the exact combination of thickness and spacing for a given space.