COMBUSTION IN BIOETHANOL FIREPLACES – MANUAL VS. AUTOMATIC WITH BEV TECHNOLOGY
Ethanol is primarily associated with the production of alcoholic beverages, but when used as a fuel, odorless additives are included to prevent consumption.
1. Combustion in Bioethanol Fireplaces
There are key differences between manual and automatic fireplaces with BEV (Burning Ethanol Vapours) technology when it comes to combustion:
a) Combusting Bioethanol in Manual Fireplaces
In manual fireplaces, the ethanol liquid must be refilled in the burner pan and ignited manually. The flame burns on the surface of the fuel tray, and direct contact with the flame causes the fuel to boil. As the fuel boils, part of it evaporates, emitting a specific smell into the room. The flame extinguishes only when the fuel runs out or the oxygen inlet is covered.
b) In automatic BEV fireplaces, the fuel circulates within a closed system. It is refilled automatically and stored in an isolated, hermetic tank. The fuel is gradually released to the burner, where it is converted into a gas state and burns completely and cleanly. Importantly, the fuel is never directly exposed to the flame.
Since the ethanol vapors are fully combusted, there is no unpleasant odor, and efficiency losses are minimized, making it a cleaner and more efficient heating option.
2. Is Bioethanol an Eco-Friendly Fuel?
Traditional gas or wood-burning fireplaces require flues to ventilate smoke and pollutants, including carbon monoxide. Unfortunately, heat is lost through these flues along with the smoke. In contrast, bioethanol fireplaces retain heat in the room, burn cleanly, and produce no soot or ash. They are environmentally friendly, as they prevent energy loss and produce only minimal steam vapor and carbon dioxide, comparable to human breath.
3. How to Choose Bioethanol Fuel for Fireplaces?
To ensure a clean and smokeless burning process, check the label and specifications of the bioethanol fuel. It should meet the following criteria:
- Made from renewable resources like corn, potatoes, or rice
- Contains 96–96.6% ethyl alcohol
- Has pharmaceutical-grade purity
- No gel or scent additives
- specified UFI code
Avoid low-quality ethanol fuels sold in popular DIY stores, as those that are gelled, scented, or dyed can produce smoke and toxins.
4. Where to Buy Bioethanol Fuel?
Approved bioethanol fuel is distributed by Planika:
- Planika Online Store https://shop.planika.com
- Amazon
- Planika’s dealers worldwide https://dealers.planikafires.com.
5. Consumption and Cost
Bioethanol fuel consumption depends on the burner's length and flame level. On average, a 1-meter-long burner consumes about 1 liter per hour. With an estimated retail price of 4.5 euros per liter in Europe, the operating cost is approximately 4.5 euros per hour. Larger burners will naturally incur higher costs.
Fireplaces with BEV technology save up to 20% in fuel consumption compared to manual burners. This is due to the smart fuel supply and the system’s ability to drain unused fuel back into the main tank after extinguishing the flame. In contrast, manual devices allow fuel to evaporate, which can leave behind an unpleasant ethanol odor.
6. How Is Bioethanol Made?
Bioethanol can be produced from both plant-based and synthetic sources.
Plant-based bioethanol is extracted from agricultural waste, such as corn, sugar cane, and sugar beets. The process begins with the fermentation of saccharides to produce a mash, which is then distilled into 92% ethanol. Multiple rectifications are required to purify the ethanol to 96.6%. Odorless additives are then added to prevent consumption.
Synthetic ethanol is derived from ethylene, a byproduct of petroleum refining. However, this ethanol emits an unpleasant odor and can damage fireplace components.
7. Advantages of Bioethanol Fireplaces
While bioethanol fuel may seem more expensive than fossil fuels, its benefits outweigh the cost:
- lower installation costs due to the lack of a hard connection requirement
- no need for external venting, reducing energy loss.
- no smoke, soot, or ash, meaning no maintenance or chimney inspections
- carbon-neutral combustion, supporting the Net-Zero philosophy
- plant-based fuel absorbs carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.