Woodstove Safety Monitor: Oru System Alerts Users to Temperature Fluctuations

A Reddit user known as nas886 has developed a woodstove monitoring system called Oru designed to enhance safety and efficiency when operating wood-burning stoves. The device addresses a common issue with woodstoves: the risk of chimney fires caused by creosote buildup, which occurs when wood burns inefficiently at low temperatures. By tracking exhaust gas temperature through a probe inserted in the stovepipe, the system alerts users remotely via an ESP32 microcontroller when the fire is burning too cold or too hot. This allows for timely adjustments, such as adding more wood or adjusting airflow, to maintain optimal combustion.

The primary concern with woodstoves isn’t necessarily overheating but rather burning wood at too low a temperature. When wood doesn’t burn completely, it produces creosote, a flammable substance that can accumulate inside chimneys and potentially ignite, leading to dangerous chimney fires. Oru helps mitigate this risk by monitoring exhaust temperatures and notifying users when intervention is needed. The system uses a status LED housed in a custom-built walnut enclosure to indicate whether the stove requires more fuel or airflow adjustments. If the fire burns too hot, the LED changes color, signaling the need to reduce air intake.

Woodstoves vary widely in size, capacity, and efficiency, making it challenging for users to maintain consistent temperatures. Oru is designed to accommodate different stove models, from small units that require frequent feeding to large stoves capable of all-night burns. This flexibility makes the system useful for a broad range of woodstove owners, eliminating the need for constant manual monitoring. Nas886 has already sold several custom units and plans to expand production, though the underlying concept is simple enough for most users to replicate themselves.

The Oru system operates by using a temperature probe placed in the stovepipe to measure exhaust gases. When temperatures drop too low, indicating incomplete combustion, the ESP32 sends a notification, prompting the user to add more wood or increase airflow. Conversely, if the fire burns too hot, the system alerts the user to reduce the air supply, preventing overheating. This balance ensures safer and more efficient woodstove operation, reducing the risk of chimney fires while optimizing heat output.

For those interested in building their own version, the components and instructions are accessible, making it a practical DIY project. The device’s simplicity and effectiveness have already garnered attention, with nas886 planning further production. By addressing a common safety concern, Oru offers a practical solution for woodstove users looking to improve their heating experience.

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