I have used sensors and thermometers to determine the amount of heat (btu's) stored and how much more I can burn before storage is full, as well as when I need to burn to recharge storage. While I have reduced this almost to an art (LOL) through weighed wood burns, which works very well, there is an easier way than using so multiple sensors, etc. -- the system pressure gauge.
The problem with temperature sensors or gauges on a storage tank are that it is difficult to know the status of the entire tank,while temperature at various levels is clear. Estimates can be made with experience. The simplicity of using the pressure gauge is that it reflects the average temperature of the entire tank. The closer system pressure approaches maximum, the higher the average storage temperature, which in many cases is the information most important for some applications, especially low temperature radiant systems.
A single system temperature gauge, measured in psi at maximum desired system pressure, 25 psi for example, and at minimum usable temperature pressure, 15 psi for example, will easily provide the info needed on the status of stored btu's and the amount of wood to burn to bring storage up to maximum.
Over my next few burn cycles I will relate psi to temperature on my burns. Currently I use mid-tank temperature as the gauge by which I do my burns, including the weighed wood burns. I think using system psi would be even easier and more accurate.
Thoughts?
The problem with temperature sensors or gauges on a storage tank are that it is difficult to know the status of the entire tank,while temperature at various levels is clear. Estimates can be made with experience. The simplicity of using the pressure gauge is that it reflects the average temperature of the entire tank. The closer system pressure approaches maximum, the higher the average storage temperature, which in many cases is the information most important for some applications, especially low temperature radiant systems.
A single system temperature gauge, measured in psi at maximum desired system pressure, 25 psi for example, and at minimum usable temperature pressure, 15 psi for example, will easily provide the info needed on the status of stored btu's and the amount of wood to burn to bring storage up to maximum.
Over my next few burn cycles I will relate psi to temperature on my burns. Currently I use mid-tank temperature as the gauge by which I do my burns, including the weighed wood burns. I think using system psi would be even easier and more accurate.
Thoughts?