INSERTRONIC project aims to develop a new closed fireplace insert technology. With this technology RIKA, one of the European market leaders regarding log wood and pellet stoves, will distinguish itself from competing products by significantly reduced emissions, increased efficiency as well as increased user comfort, RIKA will become a complete supplier for wood based room heaters. Thereby, RIKA aims at strengthening its position as European technology leader as well as to double its turnover until 2022
The technical concept of the INSERTRONIC, which builds on RIKA’s innovative log wood stove technology, will be improved. The new technology shall be developed, tested and optimised in order to pass type testing at project end. A number of innovations (world-wide novelties for fireplace inserts) shall be implemented, of which the most important are
(i) the utilisation of novel insulation materials as well as materials with catalytic coatings for emission reduction,
(ii) the application of modern computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation tools for process design and optimisation,
(iii) the implementation of an automated control and ignition system as well as
(iv) the development of a flexible insertion frame and modular panelling system which provide a high flexibility regarding installation and outer appearance.
Techno-economic analyses in order to keep the final product costs at a competitive level as well as dissemination, communication and commercialisation measures shall ensure a quick market introduction after project end.
Since the European closed fireplace insert market amounts to about 850,000 units/year, the new technology will have a significant impact on a more efficient utilisation of biomass resources as well as a reduction of CO2 emissions (substitution of fossil fuels) and therefore will be of great relevance to the Work Programme.
INSERTRONIC, an innovative closed fireplace insert log wood combustion technology ensuring unrivaled low gaseous emissions, highest thermal efficiency and unique usability comfort has been developed within INSERTRONIC project.
In face of absolutely challenging technical limits all objectives have been achieved entirely satisfying.
Beside the optimised combustion, the clean window which guarantees an undisturbed view at the flame during all operation phases in combination with the steady and voluminous flame pattern as well as the automated process control system including an automated remotely controlled ignition system in order to minimise user induced errors and increase the thermal efficiency are the most visible improvements.
The lightweight flexible insertion frame (aluminium profiles) and modular panelling system (different materials and surfaces), guarantees an easily and quickly integration of the fireplace insert in different masonry framework conditions and into different room concepts, even as a freestanding system.
Beside these technical novelties all preparations for industrialization as well as commercialisation have been done.
In addition to the “one-window” fireplace insert version developed within this project a “two(corner)-window” fireplace insert version, of INSERTRONIC technology, will be launched by end of 2018.
Additional versions, for example a “three-window” and a “two-door-opposite-window” fireplace insert version, will follow in 2019.
