Technical Information for the Ecofan™ 800 Series
The Caframo Ecofan™ is a heat powered fan designed to circulate the warm air created by a wood or gas stove. These fans do not use any batteries or mains power.
These fans have a thermoelectric module which acts as a small generator to power the fan's motor. When this generator module experiences a heat differential between its top and bottom surfaces, it pumps out electricity. The base of the fan heats the bottom surface of the module, while the top of the module is kept cooler by the fan's top cooling fins.
The Seebeck Effect
The generator module is a unique semiconductor device that relies upon the Seebeck effect to generate electricity. When two dissimilar semiconductors (p-type and ntype) at the same temperature are connected together they establish a static electric potential difference. With the introduction of a temperature difference heat flows acrossthe joined semiconductors which in turn permits electrons to flow. With the electron flow or current comes the ability to power electrical devices such as the fan's motor.
Frequently Asked Questions for Ecofan™ Fans: (UK Version)
1. How does the Ecofan work?
2. Where should I place my Ecofan?
3. What temperature does the surface need to reach in order to operate?
4. What is the recommended surface temperature of the stove?
5. What will void my warranty?
6. How do I know if my stove is too hot?
7. Can I use the Ecofan on a fireplace?
8. Can I use the Ecofan on a fireplace insert?
9. How should I store my Ecofan during the off-season?
10. What is the warranty on the Ecofan?
11. What type of maintenance if any will my Ecofan require?
12. My Ecofan worked great and now it is slowing down. What should I do?
13. Do I need to keep the box my Ecofan came in?
14. Where can I buy an Ecofan?
15. Do you have a question not covered by the above?
1. How does the Ecofan work?
The Ecofan generates its own electricity through the difference in temperature. The base must make contact with a heat source of at least 65ºC (150ºF) and the top of the fan must remain cool. The Ecofan needs to draw cooler air from behind in order to operate. The actual rotation of the blade as well as the cooler air and the heat source are the essential elements needed for the Ecofan to operate.
2. Where should I place my Ecofan?
Be sure to position the Ecofan on a smooth flat surface on your stovetop near the side or back of the stove where cooler air can be drawn from behind and over the cooling fins. Do not place your Ecofan in the centre of the stove or in front of the stovepipe or at the front of the stove. Full information is supplied in the User Manuals.
3. What temperature does the surface need to reach in order to operate?
The Ecofan will start to rotate once the base of the fan has reached a temperature of 65ºC (150ºF).
4. What is the recommended surface temperature of the stove?
For wood-stoves the optimal running temperature of the Ecofan Original or Ecofan Airplus is the same as the recommended safe operating temperatures for wood-stoves of between 230ºC and 340ºC (450ºF and 650ºF). Remove your Ecofan if your stovetop temperature exceeds 340ºC (650ºF).
5. What will void my warranty?
Caframo will warranty any product bought through a recognised retailer. Products bought through individuals or on-line auctions have no warranty. The warranty does not cover abnormal wear or damages resulting from accident, misuse, abuse or, if applicable, breakage (when such breakage is not due to a manufacturing defect) and any other incidental or consequential damages.
Simply put -If you overheat your fan or drop your fan your warranty will be voided. See UK Warranty Terms for more information.
6. How do I know if my stove is too hot?
We recommend the use of a stovetop thermometer to ensure good wood-stove safety. If you do not have a stovetop thermometer the heat sensitive spring on the base of the fan will gently tilt the fan as your stove's temperature increases. No tilt or a small tilt (the gap between the front of the Ecofan base and stove) of up to 2mm or 1/16" is good. A large tilt over 5mm or 3/16" means your stove is too hot and you should remove your Ecofan until your stove has cooled down.
7. Can I use the Ecofan on a fireplace?
Unfortunately no, the Ecofan generates its own electricity through temperature differential. The base must make contact with a heat source of at least 65ºC (150ºF) and the top of the fan must remain cooler. The Ecofan needs to draw cooler air from behind in order to operate.
8. Can I use a wood-stove Ecofan on a fireplace insert?
Yes, but placement is key. Again the fan needs to draw cooler air from behind to operate and the surface on which the Ecofan is placed should never exceed 340ºC (650ºF).
9. How should I store my Ecofan during the off-season?
Once the Ecofan is placed properly on your stove there is no need to move it. We recommend leaving it in its position on top of the stove year round. If you want to remove it for any reason, please take care to store it in a location where it cannot be knocked over or dropped. It is a good idea to retain the original box and packing to safely store your Ecofan when not in use.
10. What is the warranty on the Ecofan?
Both models of the wood-stove Ecofan and the gas-stove Ecofan carry a one-year warranty. See UK Warranty Terms for more information.
11. What type of maintenance if any will my Ecofan require?
The Ecofans have been designed to operate maintenance free. If you would like to clean your Ecofan, use a detergent free cloth to wipe down the extrusions.
12. My Ecofan worked great and now it is slowing down. What should I do?
Check your fan for proper placement. Check the normal operating temperature of your stove with a stovetop thermometer. If you purchased your fan from F.J.Williams please contact us
If you purchased your Ecofan from elsewhere in the UK Calfire on 01691-772922. A refurbishment service is available for in the UK.
13. Do I need to keep the box my Ecofan came in?
It is advisable as the box is designed to protect the Ecofans' blade/motor arrangement. You can use it for safe storage of your Ecofan over the summer months and it will make it easier if you ever need to return the fan under guarantee or for refurbishment.
14. Where can I buy an Ecofan?
You can order an Ecofan directly from ourselves - please click here for order details
15. Do you have a question not covered by the above?
Ask us your question and we will do our best to help. Contact Us