Conversion of a coal or oil stove to pellet. How to convert Cinderella into pellets?

Pellet heating is an environmentally friendly and economical alternative to coal and oil.

Fossil fuel prices have increased significantly in recent months, while pellets can be purchased at 2021 prices.

The simplest and cheapest way to switch to pellet heating is to install a pellet burner in an existing boiler, e.g. a coal-fired one.

What should you pay attention to?

If you want to change it, you must consult the chimney sweeper. It is worth remembering that the European standard EN 15270 is of key importance for such modernization. Some chimney sweepers previously had doubts about replacing the burner, but now if the pellet burner meets the EN 15270 standard, such an operation is possible.

Other important aspects are the requirements for the boiler and chimney. Please check that the following requirements are met:

• When the boiler is operating, the chimney draft must be at least 15 Pa.
• The chimney must be resistant to soot fire. It may be necessary to use a heat-resistant steel insert.
• The distance from the pellet burner embers to the nearest surface/wall of the boiler should be no less than 25 cm (30-40 cm for a Domna 22 kW burner).

What should be done to modernize the boiler by installing a pellet burner (to be done on site):

• Dismantle the old burner.
• Check the dimensions of the opening of the old retort burner or ash pan for the new pellet burner. If the hole is too small, it should be enlarged.
• Check the position of existing screws and bolts. If necessary, drill new holes or create a suitable mounting frame.
• Tighten the burner and mounting frame. The connection must be perfectly sealed, e.g. with a sealing cord!
• Connect the electrical cables and controller.
• Connect the burner to the pellet screw, and the screw to the tank feeding the burner with pellets.
• Install the draft regulator in the flue pipe or chimney flange.
• If necessary, install a return temperature controller.

Before starting modernization work, you should ask yourself the question "which pellet burners are suitable for conversion?" There is a wide range of products available on the market with different power, design and sophistication, and the following should be taken into account:

• Does the burner meet the EN 15270 standard (due to approval)?
• Does the burner fit into the existing boiler opening?
• That the flame is pointing forward and not too long. Burner (to make the burner fit more easily into the existing combustion chamber)?
• Is the burner in modulation mode? Operation in modulation mode may result in an increased amount of ash remaining after combustion in the burner.
• Is flashback protection reliable?
• How reliable is the burner?
• How reliable is the driver?

What costs should be taken into account for such modernization?

When buying a pellet burner, make sure that it is easy to use and modern and self-cleaning. All DOMNA burners from Technomaszbud meet these conditions, have an intuitive Plum controller and are additionally equipped with a feeder, which greatly facilitates the operation of the boiler.

The pellet burner is selected depending on the boiler power. Assuming that the boiler power is 20 kW, the best choice is the DOMNA EKO-22 pellet burner with a maximum power of 25 kW. It is a fully automatic fireclay burner that accepts various types of pellets, including low-quality ones. Its price is PLN 6,539.91 gross (as of December 21, 2023). Technomaszbud additionally offers an aesthetic DOMNA ZP-450 pellet tank with a capacity of 450 liters, which allows you to feed the burner with pellets for up to 7 days. The price of the burner does not include the cost of installation.

Modernizing the central heating installation by installing a DOMNA series pellet burner allows us to have a low-emission boiler that meets current standards without having to replace the old device. Modern DOMNA burners are available in power ranges from 22-350 kW and ensure automatic operation of the boiler, which increases comfort of use and safety. DOMNA burners from Technomaszbud are the right choice, both economically and ecologically.