Reddit user [nas886] developed a system called Oru to reduce the risk of chimney fires in wood-burning stoves. The probe installed in the stove pipe monitors the temperature of the exhaust gases; if the temperature is low, a warning is sent via ESP32, while if it is high, the LED lights up in a different color to recommend reducing the airflow. The system helps prevent the formation of creosote, which can accumulate in the chimney as a result of incomplete combustion and catch fire. [nas886] plans to produce the system on a larger scale after selling several custom-made devices.
Why it matters
For wood-burning stove users, the system’s value lies in attempting to reduce the risk of fires linked to creosote buildup in the chimney by monitoring combustion conditions, rather than addressing the issue only at the final stage. The warning issued in response to changes in gas temperature, along with the recommendation to reduce airflow, is intended to enable users to intervene in how the stove is operating in a timely manner. This approach offers a practical means of control, particularly for stove users who want to monitor problems that could result from incomplete combustion. However, the fact that the project is currently limited to several custom-made devices leaves open the question of when and on what scale production will take place. The technical details of the report show that the solution is directly focused on an existing safety problem.