Blue Angel – fine dust reduction and reduced emissions from wood-burning stoves
Seit dem 01.01.2020 wird der Blaue Engel für besonders emissionsarme Kaminöfen nach den Kriterien der DE-UZ 212 vergeben.
Since 01.01.2020, the Blue Angel has been awarded for particularly low-emission wood-burning stoves in accordance with the criteria of DE-UZ 212. Efficient and controlled combustion and additional equipment (secondary measures) to reduce emissions are intended to achieve a significant reduction in dust levels and other exhaust emissions compared to conventional stoves. The ecolabel can be awarded to stoves that burn the fuel used efficiently and have significantly lower pollutant emissions. The Blue Angel thus supports the development of future-proof stoves and contributes to environmental and climate protection. The DBI Group, in particular the DVGW Energy Testing Laboratory, was involved in the development of this basis for awarding the Blue Angel for wood-burning stoves and supports manufacturers in testing their products.
What innovations does the Blue Angel bring for wood-burning stoves?
A new measurement regulation for the number of particles
- The measurement specification was created based on the Swiss Ordinance SR 941.242. The process principle is defined for particle counting using a condensation particle counter (CPC) from a particle size of 23 nm.
- The Blue Angel for wood-burning stoves requires the introduction of a particle count value for wood-burning stoves for the first time in order to protect health. For this purpose, this measurement method for wood combustion was adapted, which was developed from experience with combustion engines in the automotive sector.
- On this basis, a limit value for the particle count of 5,000,000/cm³ is proposed, which is to be complied with from 2022.
- The DVGW Energy Testing Laboratory is equipped to carry out the “Blue Angel” measurements.
Extended measurement specification Dust, CO, OGC, NOx mass content
The testing of the emission values is based on the type test in accordance with DIN EN 13240 and DIN EN 16510-1, whereby further burn-up phases (ignition phase, nominal load, partial load if applicable) are specified through the application of the defined measurement specification and the scope of measurement has been significantly expanded. This means that the test requirements of the Blue Angel go beyond the specifications of the type test.
The following limit values have been defined for the Blue Angel:
| Parameters | Limit value* | Limit value upstream of downstream separator* |
|---|---|---|
| Dust mass content | 0,015 g/m3 | 0,040 g/m3 |
| Dust particle count | 5 x 106/cm3 (ab 01.01.2022) | no specification |
| CO mass content | 0,500 g/m3 | 0,500 g/m3 |
| OGC mass content | 0,070 gC/m3 | 0,070 gC/m3 |
| NOx mass content | 0,180 g/m3 | 0,180 g/m3 |
What are the main requirements for the fireplaces to be tested?
- Strict emission limits after extended test procedure, which will most likely require secondary measures to reduce emissions
- Automated air control, which can reduce operator influence and misbehavior
- Combustion monitor (a type of operating hours counter)
- Short operating instructions for the operator (quick user guide)
It should be noted that wood-burning stoves without an eco-label may continue to be operated, as nothing initially changes for the operator outside existing solid fuel ban zones.
Background information “Blue Angel” (from the Basic Award Criteria DE-UZ 212)
Stoves are usually operated as supplementary heating systems in addition to central heating systems. User behavior ranges from operation on a few cold days to daily operation during the entire heating period. By optimizing their design, manufacturers of wood-burning stoves can help to minimize the environmental impact of using the appliances and significantly reduce pollutant emissions.
The eco-label is awarded to wood-burning stoves that meet the following environmental criteria:
- Fine dust reduction
- Reduced emissions
- User friendliness
The ecolabel can be awarded to stoves that use fuel efficiently and have significantly lower emissions. In addition to the legal requirements of the type test, the special requirement of the Blue Angel is that the stoves must comply with significantly lower dust and CO values and demonstrate this during the high-emission ignition phase. For organic pollutants (OGC) and nitrogen oxides (NOX), emissions must already be below the limit values that are generally binding in the EU Ecodesign requirements from January 2022.
When purchasing new innovative stoves, the Ecolabel therefore offers a decision-making aid for reducing air pollutants. It is a voluntary label that is intended to motivate manufacturers to develop efficient and low-emission appliances. The label enables manufacturers to communicate the environmental benefits of the appliances to their customers in a simple way.
Range of services
The DVGW Energy Testing Laboratory has all the technical requirements and expertise to carry out these additional tests. Take advantage of our expertise, our many years of experience and our technical potential to make your products future-proof. We will be happy to help you, please contact us!
Make your products future-proof with us today!
Deputy head of DVGW Test laboratory energy
Rico Eßbach
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