Mercedes Mullins
Burning shelled corn as fuel is a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to conventional fuels such as oil, propane, natural gas, coal, and firewood. Corn stoves burn kernels containing ethanol and oil, which produce a clean burn and a sweet scent. The amount of corn burned depends on factors such as the size of the home, insulation, and desired temperature. An average home will burn 85 to 150 bushels of corn a season, with a bushel of shelled corn weighing about 56 pounds. The energy content of shelled corn is approximately 8,000 to 8,500 BTUs per pound of dry matter, and it is recommended that the moisture content be kept at 15.5% or lower for optimal combustion. While corn stoves require electricity to maintain the fuel flow, they are easy to install and can be a viable option for those seeking a renewable and affordable heating source.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel source | Shelled corn, corn pellets, corn kernels |
| Heat produced | 8,000 to 8,500 BTUs per pound of dry matter |
| Heat comparison | Comparable heat produced by wood pellets |
| Ash residue | More ash residue than wood pellets |
| Maintenance | Requires more frequent ash removal |
| Cost | Generally cheaper than wood pellets |
| Cost comparison | Lowest cost-per-unit of effective heat in the northeastern U.S. |
| Moisture content | 15.5% or lower, some stoves require no more than 13% |
| Electricity | Requires electricity to maintain fuel flow |
| Chimney | Does not require a chimney, only a small vent in the wall |
| Installation | Easier to install compared to wood stoves |
| Burn rate | Burns kernels, not stalks or cobs |
| Burn time | Two tons of corn can heat a house for 2-3 months |
| Storage | Requires tight storage containers to prevent pest issues |
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What You'll Learn
The energy content of shelled corn
Burning shelled corn as fuel is a viable alternative to conventional fuels such as fuel oil, propane, natural gas, coal, and firewood. It is also a renewable source of energy, as it can be produced within 180 days, compared to the millennia needed to produce fossil fuels. Corn is also a safer option, as it burns at a lower temperature than wood stoves, which can get hot enough to cook on.
The moisture content of shelled corn is an important consideration when using it as fuel. The standard moisture content of shelled corn is approximately 15.5% on a wet basis, with each pound comprising 0.845 pounds of dry matter and 0.155 pounds of water. The energy content of shelled corn with 15.5% moisture is approximately 6,970 BTUs per pound, referred to as the Higher Heating Value (HHV). However, the HHV must be reduced due to the energy required to vaporize the water content, which is unavailable for heating purposes. After accounting for the energy needed to evaporate the water, the net available energy content of shelled corn with 15.5% moisture is approximately 6,810 BTUs per pound, known as the Lower Heating Value (LHV).
It is important to note that the actual energy content of shelled corn may be lower if pieces of cob, husk, or stalks are mixed with the shelled corn. Additionally, some manufacturers of corn stoves may exaggerate the energy content of shelled corn, using values of 8,000 to 8,500 BTUs per pound, which can distort the results of any analysis. Therefore, it is recommended to be cautious when reviewing commercial literature and to look for analyses based on more conservative energy content values.
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The pros and cons of a corn-burning stove
Corn stoves are an alternative to traditional wood-burning stoves and other fossil fuels like natural gas, oil, coal and propane. They are heaters that generate heat by burning dry corn kernels containing ethanol and oil. The pros and cons of a corn-burning stove are:
Pros
- Corn stoves are environmentally friendly as they burn cleaner than other fuel sources.
- They are easy to install and do not require a chimney, only a small vent in the wall.
- Corn is a renewable energy source that can be produced within 180 days, compared to the millennia needed to produce fossil fuels.
- Corn stoves produce little to no smoke, improving home air quality.
- Corn stoves are affordable, with prices ranging from $1,200 to $3,000.
- Corn ash can be used as a mild fertilizer for lawns and gardens.
- Corn stoves are safer than wood stoves as they do not get hot enough to burn the user.
Cons
- Corn stoves require electricity to keep the flow of fuel going, so if the electricity goes off, so does the fire.
- Corn stoves require more maintenance than wood-burning stoves and can be difficult to ignite.
- The heating value of corn varies depending on the type used, how dry it is, how well the stove burns it, and the cleanliness of the corn.
- Corn stoves may not be allowed in certain areas due to local laws and regulations.
- The cost of corn fuel fluctuates, and the availability and transportation costs of corn in your area will impact the overall expense.
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How to start a corn-burning stove
Burning shelled corn as fuel is a feasible alternative to conventional fuels such as fuel oil, propane, natural gas, coal, and firewood. Corn stoves burn kernels, containing ethanol and oil, which burn cleaner and cheaper than other fuel sources. Corn stoves are also easy to install and do not require a chimney.
To start a corn-burning stove, follow these steps:
Firstly, check your local laws and regulations regarding corn stoves. Although corn stoves are generally safer and cleaner than wood stoves, there may still be specific requirements and restrictions for their installation and use. It is important to ensure that you are compliant with local regulations.
Next, decide on the placement of the stove. Consider whether the stove will be the primary heat source for the building or if it will serve as a supplementary or backup source. Also, determine if the corn-burning stove can be connected to an existing hot-water or hot-air distribution system. The house layout should facilitate the convective movement of heated air throughout the space.
Once you have determined the placement, gather the necessary corn fuel. The amount of corn needed will depend on the size of your space and the desired duration of heating. As a reference, an average house during a moderately cold winter will need about 50 pounds of corn to stay warm for 24 hours. You can purchase corn from feed and seed stores, county extension agents, or local farmers.
Before starting the stove, ensure the corn fuel is dry enough. Moisture content should be at 15.5% or lower, with some corn-burning stoves requiring no more than 13%. You can use home dehydrators, slow ovens, or cars sitting in the sun to remove moisture from the corn.
Now you can begin the process of starting the corn-burning stove:
- Pour a 50-pound bag of corn into the hopper.
- Light the fire using the stove's ignition system or a separate fire starter.
- Allow the fire to burn and adjust the airflow and settings as needed to control the heat output.
Remember, corn stoves require electricity to keep the flow of fuel going. In the event of a power outage, the fire will go out. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines when operating a corn-burning stove.
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The cost of corn fuel
Corn fuel, or shelled corn, is a renewable fuel source that can be produced within 180 days, compared to the millennia needed to produce fossil fuels. It is a feasible alternative to conventional fuels such as fuel oil, propane, natural gas, coal, and firewood, especially given the high prices of these conventional fuels. Corn stoves are also easier to install than wood stoves as they don't require a chimney, only a small vent in the wall.
The true cost of corn fuel, therefore, is a complex calculation. While corn fuel is argued to be cheaper than conventional fuels, the economic and environmental costs must also be considered. The production and consumption of corn fuel have a lower carbon intensity than petroleum gasoline, but it comes at an economic cost of $6.2 billion more than gasoline. Additionally, corn fuel production has major impacts on water use, land use, and synthetic nitrogen fertilizer usage. These factors contribute to the overall cost of corn fuel, making it a more complex consideration than simply the price per unit of fuel.
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Where to buy corn fuel
Corn stoves are an alternative to traditional wood-burning or propane heaters. They are often cheaper and better for the environment, as they burn cleaner than other fuel sources. Burning shelled corn as a fuel is a feasible way of dealing with the high prices of conventional fuels. Corn is also renewable within a few months, unlike wood, which takes years.
When considering buying a corn stove, it is important to keep in mind that corn stoves require electricity to keep the flow of fuel going. If the electricity goes off, so does the fire. Corn stoves also do not get hot enough to cook on, unlike wood stoves.
Before purchasing a corn stove, it is necessary to develop a plan for the proper disposal of corn ash. Corn stoves produce less ash residue than burning firewood or coal, but there will still be some to deal with. Corn ash is generally safe to use as a fertilizer for lawns and gardens or can be buried.
When it comes to buying corn fuel, there are several options:
- Feed and seed stores, or county extension agents and local farmers: These are good places to start when looking for corn fuel. Ask specifically for stove corn, which is suitable for burning in corn stoves. It typically comes in 40 or 50-pound bags.
- Local grain elevators: Check the Yellow Pages or similar business directories for local grain elevators that may sell corn fuel.
- Local farmers: In addition to feed stores, local farmers may also be a source of corn fuel.
- Stove retail stores: While it is mentioned that stove retail stores are the most expensive place to buy corn fuel, they may be an option if other sources are not readily available.
- Online retailers: Some online retailers, such as Hearth.com and eBay, may offer corn fuel for sale. For example, one retailer based in Pinebush, NY, advertises corn fuel but has been described as "not easy to deal with" due to their call-back system.
- Specialty fuel suppliers: Depending on your location, there may be specialty fuel suppliers that offer corn fuel. For example, Bridgewater Farm in Massachusetts offers wood pellets, corn fuel, and Envi Blocks for pellet stoves.
- Bio-fuel companies: Companies like Eagle Bio-Fuels sell wood pellets, corn, and corn and wood combinations for fuel.
It is important to note that the availability and accessibility of corn fuel may vary depending on your location. It is always a good idea to research local options and compare prices before making a purchase.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of corn fuel used depends on several factors, such as the size of the house, the temperature, the stove model, the type of corn, and the desired heat output. On average, a house will burn 85 to 150 bushels of corn per season, with a bushel weighing about 56 pounds.
Research in four northeastern US cities found shelled corn fuel to have the lowest cost-per-unit of effective heat compared to nine other traditional heating fuels, including oil and wood pellets. Burning shelled corn produces a similar amount of heat to wood pellets (around 8,000 BTU/lb) but is generally cheaper.
The cost of corn fuel can vary depending on your location and the availability of corn in your area. In some cases, corn fuel can be purchased at a lower cost than traditional fuels. For example, producing one million BTUs of heat with corn costs around $8.79, while burning wood costs approximately $22.07.
The energy content of shelled corn can range from 8,000 to 8,500 BTUs per pound of dry matter and is influenced by factors such as the variety of corn, soil fertility, weather conditions, maturity at harvest, drying method, and storage conditions.
