RESEARCH PAPER
Condensing economizer for biomass combustion boilers: technical design, performance analysis and experimental validation
 
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1
Poznan University of Technology, Department of Fuels and Renewable Energy, Institute of Thermal Energy, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Energy, Poland
 
2
NTU “KhPI” 2, National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute”, Ukraine
 
3
Poznan University of Technology, Institute of Thermal Energy, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Energy, Poland
 
4
MON, Ministry of National Defense, Poland
 
These authors had equal contribution to this work
 
 
Submission date: 2025-12-15
 
 
Final revision date: 2026-03-05
 
 
Acceptance date: 2026-03-05
 
 
Publication date: 2026-06-05
 
 
Corresponding author
Bartosz CIUPEK   

Poznan University of Technology, Department of Fuels and Renewable Energy, Institute of Thermal Energy, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Energy, ul. Piotrowo 3, 61-138, Poznań, Poland
 
 
Acta Mechanica et Automatica 2026;20(2):254-261
 
HIGHLIGHTS
  • Novel condensing economizer patented for biomass-fired boilers (PL247342B1)
  • Counterflow–crossflow design ensures efficient sensible and latent heat recovery
  • Achieved up to 119% gross efficiency with stable flue-gas condensation
  • Emissions met Ecodesign Directive (EU) 2015/1189 with A+++ efficiency class
  • Modular, corrosion-resistant construction adaptable to 25–100 kW boiler systems
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ABSTRACT
This study presents the design, thermodynamic analysis, and experimental validation of a condensing economizer dedicated to bi-omass-fired heating boilers. The proposed device incorporates a centrally arranged flue-gas distribution chamber and a water-cooled tube bundle that enables recovery of both sensible heat and the latent heat released during water-vapor condensation. The economizer, protected under Patent No. PL247342B1 was evaluated through analytical modelling and laboratory testing per-formed on pellet boilers with rated outputs of 25–100 kW. The heat-transfer model, which couples convective and condensation mechanisms, demonstrated that the presence of water vapor in the flue gas significantly increases the effective heat transfer coef-ficient, thereby enhancing the overall energy recovery potential. Prototype units with heat-exchange surfaces ranging from 0.63 to 2.90 m2 achieved thermal outputs between 1.8 and 7.8 kW, with stable condensation occurring when the boiler’s return-supply temperature difference was maintained at ΔT ≥ 25 °C. Experimental results confirmed a substantial reduction in flue-gas tempera-ture (down to 59 °C at nominal load and 34 °C at reduced load), which translated into an increase in gross boiler efficiency to 107% and 119%, respectively. All emission indicators complied with the Ecodesign Directive (EU) 2015/1189, while seasonal effi-ciency analysis yielded an Energy Efficiency Index of 167.8 (A+++). The findings demonstrate that the integrated counterflow–crossflow economizer significantly improves waste-heat recovery, reduces fuel consumption, and lowers particulate and gaseous emissions. Owing to its modular construction and corrosion-resistant design, the system is suitable for practical implementation in modern biomass heating installations.
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eISSN:2300-5319
ISSN:1898-4088
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