woodchip water heater

[kris turner]

Hi all.

Does anyone know of any systems that heat water by running water pipe (backwoods and forwards) through a tank of woodchip to heat the water, much like a ground heating system, using the heat of the composting woodchip or with the same sort of tank but using the steam produced to turn a turbine to produce electric. i have only just heard of such things but can't seem to find much about them as most people burn woodchip and that has to be of a certain grade

[arbwork]

I have always thought it should work, esp when warming my feet in yesterdays chip! In the winter, good luck with the search

[renewablejohn]

Have a google search for jean pain. He was the guru of wood chip base heating using compost and also producing gas to power his 2cv vehicle.

For more modern applications go to the permies site and you will find quite a few examples.

[Goaty]

It would work especially as a preheater. Ive thought about it. It would be setting up the pipework and dismantling it when you turn the heap. Probably best to have as a separate coil going through an accumulator tank. Then it could have shut off valves near the tank to avoid it running as a refrigderator when it doesnt work.

[NoRush]

I've tried it and it works well. When moving my woodchip pile in winter i zig zaged a heavy duty hose through it conected one end to the tap. I just wanted to see what sort of heat i could get and was quite surprised. You couldnt hold your hands under it it was that hot. I would surgest some sort of heat exchanger due to the enviroment you are getting the heat from or just a heating system so you dont take all the heat out of your wood chip. There is one downside the heat will only last about 6 to 8 weeks then you have to start again

[Farmerdowling]

I LOVE this idea - I may try it on my pool when the sun decides to come out...