There appears to be a huge amount of traffic and discussion through different internet forums about rocket mass heaters and reports from the authors on sales of the book on the subject confirm this incredible surge in interest. I am quite certain that this excitement stems from the tangible possibility that the rocket mass heater concept offers to individuals and families to build their own affordable efficient wood-fired heating system. I thought it would be interesting and useful to offer the following synthesis of recent research I have been directly involved in and links to information . . .
Increase wood-stove efficiency with bricks and mud: Construction Details & Videos
Increase woodstove efficiency with bricks and mud This is a pretty simple do-it-yourself option for anyone interested in increasing the efficiency of an old (or new!) woodstove. That said, a heater in the home poses serious risks — greater than an outdoor oven, and potentially greater than the old stove itself. But it's not rocket science; masonry heaters were developed and designed by people who worked for love, not money (the whole story is in David Lyle's Book of Masonry Stoves: Rediscovering an Old Way of Warming). The videos below show (roughly) how it goes together. In . . .
Heat your masonry oven with a clean, top-down fire
Heat your masonry oven with a clean, top-down fire The top-down fire works well for masonry ovens, stoves, and fireplaces, as well as outdoor fires. It's simple: dry fuel, small sticks (plenty of surface area), plenty of volume where fuel and oxygen can mix -- and kindling on top, so the fire burns down, clean and hot. Think of a candle: the flame on top pre-heats the fuel (wax) below, as well as the incoming combustion air. The wick burns hot, bright, and clean, so all you get is light and heat -- a perfect fire! If you use it in your oven, your neighbors won't have to breathe your smoke . . .