Country Flame CF-04 - Manual (Page 14)

Version 2.0e 14
need to provide backup power to ensure stable operation of the Crossfire. Fortunately, there are simple,
reliable, and cost effective power backup solutions available. Today, a homeowner can choose from a variety
of power conditioning systems from a number of “big box” retail stores. For example, Home Depot, Circuit
City, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, or other stores carry standard power conditioning equipment. Two good quality
power conditioning equipment manufacturers are APC and TrippLite. These uninterruptible power supplies
(UPS) include the capability to handle power failures, brown outs, power surges, line noise, and sell for
around $35 to $150. UPS system cost is largely defined by the features included and the amount of time
(battery size) the UPS can operate before recharging of the battery is required. UPS systems are sold by the
number of electrical outlets, the volt-amperes (watts), and the additional features included.
What does the Crossfire stove require from a UPS system in order to sustain proper operation during a power
outage? To answer that question, the homeowner has to decide how long they want the Crossfire to operate in
the absence of utility “grid” power. At the same time, an inexpensive solution that will handle a large
percentage of many of the most common electrical problems cost less than $100. For about $60 to $70 the
homeowner can purchase a UPS product that will operate the Crossfire for close to an hour. This same UPS
system should provide an audible, as well as visual alarm, to alert the homeowner to local utility interruptions
or power outages. The homeowner can then make the decision to continue to operate the Crossfire or shut it
down until the local utility restores local power. Further, this UPS system will ensure that minor utility
glitches do not cause “nuisance” shutdown or faults in a Crossfire stove. If a homeowner wants specific
information concerning the size and quality of a specific battery backup system for their Crossfire stove,
contact Country Flame or one of its local authorized dealers who will assist in providing a specific solution.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
The Crossfire Model CF-04 was designed to burn multiple types of fuel, including corn, switch grass and
wood pellets. Not all fuels have been fully tested so results may vary depending on the grade of fuel being
burnt. Country Flame recommends number 2 yellow shelled corn be used as a fuel. The corn’s moisture
content should be limited to no more than 14% moisture content. Country Flame recommends corn fuel
moisture content be maintained somewhere in the range of 10% to 12%.
USING SEED CORN AS FUEL
IS DANGEROUS TO OCCUPANTS. BURNING SEED CORN VOIDS THE COUNTRY FLAME
WARRANTY.
If pellet fuel (wood or other solid biomass pellet fuel) is used in the Crossfire, Country Flame recommends no
more than 8% moisture content. The American Pellet Fuel Institute establishes standards for pellet fuel
manufacturer’s product. Pellet Manufacturers voluntarily follow these standards but homeowners should
know what to look for. The following terms should be understood by the homeowner:
ASH:
Biomass stoves produce two kinds of ash:
1) Solid ash residue in the firepot; and
2) Fly ash (un-burnt particles) and air born fly ash (sparklers) are created during the combustion process. The
Crossfire has an ash compartment which aids in cleaning the stove. Ash can also accumulate in "ash traps"
which need to be cleaned periodically. The remaining fly ash is blown into the flue system which will also
require periodic cleaning.
FINES:
(sawdust): Fines are caused by pellet disintegration that occurs during transport or storage of pellets.
Two potential problems – fines can create dust in the home and fines cause interference to the flow of pellets
in the fuel hopper.
SIZE:
The Crossfire can handle a wide variety of pellet size. Variations in pellet size create no problem but
smaller size pellets usually feed at higher rates per Crossfire heat setting and can affect the balance of air-to-
fuel. Extra long pellets may create bridging in the hopper which will starve the Crossfire for fuel.
BTU's:
(heat) PER POUND: The variation of BTU's per pound in pellet or corn fuel is usually not noticeable
to most users. Overall stove efficiency (combustion efficiency times heat transfer efficiency) has a greater
impact on the heat delivered to the home.