Farmstead Heating with Biomass

Farmstead Heating with Biomass

Summary

This project turned out to be much more difficult and time consuming than was originally planned. Much of the research was hampered by the lack of useful, viable information on burning straw bales in a controlled situation.

This project can be divided into 5 categories: 1) Research and design, 2) Construction of the boiler and firebox, 3) Pour concrete floor, 4) Finish inside of the shop, and 5) Finish circuit to heat house. To date, I have finished researching all aspects of this project and have decided on final design plans. These include plans for boiler and firebox construction, plans for heating tube layout in the concrete floor, and plans for pumps and motors for entire project. The boiler was built last winter, the firebox still needs to be built. I have been able to salvage about 800 firebrick that will be used to line the firebox. The concrete still has to be poured. I am hopeful that this will be completed in early August. The work in the shop has been partially completed. The ceiling and insulation were put in last winter. The side wall insulation and drywall will be completed once the floor has been poured. The circuit to the house has not been completed, however it has been designed, and I don't foresee that taking an appreciable amount of time.

As you can see there is still much work to be done, but not an impossible amount. August always is a slow time on the farm, so much time and effort can be devoted to the project then. Because the project has not been completed, I would like to apply for a 1 year no cost extension for this grant. I am confident that work can be completed by December 2003.