Residential oil furnace system optimization, phase I. Final report, Jun 1974--Aug 1975

The report gives results of an analytical and experimental investigation of technology for improving pollutant emission characteristics and thermal efficiency of residential oil furnaces. A digital computer model was programmed for cyclical(transient) thermal analyses of typical warm air oil furnaces; design features and operating conditions were varied parametrically to discern influences on thermal efficiency. Furnace operability and pollutant emissions were studied experimentally by testing three burner types in several combustor sizes, configurations, and wall constructions (cooling methods). Test results were incorporated into two conceptual designs for prototype low-emission units capable of satisfying program goals. (GRA)