Jan 23 2008 9:08AM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
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When a product wins the “Der Designpreis 2008,” The Product Guy checks it out.

(Literal translation: “The Design Award,” the official recognition of excellence in design given by the Federal Republic of Germany)

The winner in questions is the X-BASIC from fireplace makers RAIS. It features an ultra-innovative way to burn wood efficiently by using an air-supply system to keep the glass pane completely clean by pulling pre-heated air on the inside of the glass. According to the company, here’s how it works:

“To achieve even more heat energy from the wood, RAIS stoves preheat the combustion air, guides the preheated air through a system of baffle plates. When the thermal conditions are met, 80% of the weight of a dry wood log is turned into volatiles. Please note that it is important that the wood moisture is low, RAIS recommends 16-20% moisture in the wood.”

The company also says:

“If used correctly your new RAIS stove will be CO2 neutral, as the CO2 emission from a RAIS wood-burning stove is equal to the volume of CO2 that would be given off if the wood was left to decompose in its natural surroundings.”

Pretty cool (or hot) if you ask me—a completely efficient fireplace. Although you can get close to 100% efficiency with a group of Boy Scouts, an open flame and some hairspray, this unit does it in a much safer fashion.

The optimal heat output is about 72,000 BTU/Hour, which heats a 4000 sq. ft. area comfortably. The top-vented X-Basic requires only a 15 inch clearance to the back wall, 16 inch clearance to the side walls, and 7.8 inch distance from center of top exit to the back edge of the top plate.