Vivian Marlowe
Alcohol stoves are more susceptible to wind than conventional stoves, so a windscreen is a critical part of the setup. The optimal height of a windscreen in relation to the top of the pot is important to consider, as the wind will steal heat away from any part of the pot that is not covered. A taller windscreen will increase protection from the wind and funnel more heat up the sides of the stove. The windscreen should be tight enough to securely cradle the pot, but not so tight that it overheats the canister. Holes can be punched in the windscreen to allow for airflow and the escape of hot exhaust gases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height | Should be tall enough to cover 80% of the cookpot. Taller windscreens increase protection from the wind and funnel more heat up the sides of the stove. |
| Fit | Should be tight enough to the pot/stove stack to prevent wind from stealing heat away from the pot. However, it should not be too tight, as this can cause overheating. A gap of about a quarter to half an inch around the pot is recommended. |
| Material | Can be made from aluminum foil, thin metal sheets, heavy-duty disposable oven drip pans, stainless steel shim, titanium foil, or carbon felt. |
| Holes | Vent holes are necessary to allow for proper airflow and exhaust. The holes should be about 1 inch apart, with more holes on windy days. |
| Tabs | Tabs can be folded in to build platforms for the pot and to interconnect different sections of the windscreen. They should be at least 2 cm long for a tight-fitting windscreen. |
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What You'll Learn
Taller windscreens increase protection from wind
Alcohol stoves are more susceptible to wind than conventional stoves, so a windscreen is a critical part of the setup. The taller the windscreen, the more protection it will offer from the wind, and the more heat will be funnelled up the sides of the stove.
The height of a windscreen is important for thermal efficiency. The higher the windscreen comes up the pot, the longer it will hold the heat. The wind will steal heat away from any part of the pot that is not covered. The ideal height for a windscreen is for it to come up as high around the pot as possible, while still allowing room for handles, pot lifters, or to grab the pot with protected hands.
To determine the height of your windscreen, first decide how much of your pot you would like to be covered, then add the height of your stove, plus around 2.5cm for the flame. If you wish to store your windscreen inside your pot, the height of your windscreen will simply be the depth of your pot.
When placing a windscreen around a pot, it is recommended to leave a half-inch gap between the two, with the ends of the windscreen overlapping by 1-1.5 inches. The windscreen should be designed so that its closed diameter is less than that of the pot's outer rim, and the pot can be placed directly on top.
A taller windscreen will also allow for more ventilation at the top and bottom, which is necessary to allow fresh air to enter and for gases from combustion to escape. Holes can be punched in the bottom of the windscreen to improve airflow, and twigs can be placed underneath the edge of the windscreen to create an air gap.
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Holes in the windscreen are important for airflow
The number and size of holes in an alcohol stove windscreen play a crucial role in its performance. More and larger holes result in increased oxygen flow, leading to a faster and more efficient burn. This is particularly important for side-burner stoves like the Super Cat, which must achieve a bloom before a pot can be placed on top. If there is insufficient oxygen due to a lack of holes, the flame may snuff out or burn too low to achieve a boil, causing frustration and wasting fuel.
The height of the windscreen also affects airflow and burning efficiency. A taller windscreen provides better protection from the wind and funnels more heat up the sides of the stove. This increased heat retention can lead to improved burning efficiency. However, it is important to consider the trade-off between thermal efficiency and weight when deciding on the height of the windscreen.
To enhance airflow and burning efficiency, holes can be punched into the windscreen. These holes should be spaced approximately 1 inch apart, with three holes punched at one end to create a top and bottom for the screen. This technique has been successfully applied to windscreens made from various materials, including aluminum foil, soda cans, and oven liners. Elevating the windscreen slightly using paper clips or small twigs can also improve airflow and burning performance.
In conclusion, holes in the windscreen are crucial for ensuring proper airflow and efficient burning in alcohol stoves. The size, number, and placement of holes, as well as the height of the windscreen, all contribute to the overall performance of the stove. By optimizing these factors, users can achieve faster boiling times and reduce fuel consumption, making their alcohol stove a more effective and enjoyable cooking solution.
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The windscreen should be made of a durable material
Some backpackers use stainless steel shim or titanium foil to make durable and heat-resistant pot stands, which can also double as wood stoves. Titanium foil is also lightweight and can be adjusted from a small pot to a big one. It can be rolled up to the size of a pencil for easy storage.
If you're using aluminium flashing or some other sheet metal with a coating, you may want to sand it down to remove any coating that will blacken, burn, and become sticky after firing up your stove. You can also use heavy hobby foil, which is more durable than regular foil.
Another option is to use a heat-resistant cookie sheet. Tim Anderson of Bike Switzerland adds a layer of heat-resistant "cookie sheet" to the inside of his reflectix as a windscreen. The cookie sheet is a dark, thin synthetic layer with very high heat resistance, which keeps the bubble pack from melting.
For a lightweight yet durable windscreen, you can use a combination of materials. For example, you can use aluminium flashing for the windscreen and aluminium angle iron for the tabs, which will provide dependable and durable support.
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The height of the windscreen depends on the pot's handles
When creating a DIY windscreen for an alcohol stove, it's important to consider the height of the windscreen in relation to the pot. The higher the windscreen comes up the pot, the more effective it will be at retaining heat and blocking wind. However, if the windscreen is too tall, it can become cumbersome and difficult to manage.
A good guideline to follow is to ensure the windscreen covers at least 80% of the cookpot. This will provide a balance between thermal efficiency and weight. If you want to prioritise thermal efficiency, you can opt for a taller windscreen that covers a larger portion of the pot. However, keep in mind that this will also increase the weight of your setup.
To adjust the height of the windscreen, you can fold over the edges of the windscreen in alternating directions. This will allow you to achieve the desired height while also ensuring a snug fit around the pot. It's important to leave a small gap, about a quarter to half an inch, between the windscreen and the pot to allow for proper airflow and prevent overheating.
Additionally, consider the material you'll be using for your windscreen. Aluminum foil is a popular choice due to its lightweight and inexpensive nature. However, it may not be as durable as other options and will need to be replaced periodically. Thicker materials, such as aluminum flashing or bake pans, can also be used but require more careful consideration when adjusting the height to avoid damaging the material through folding.
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The windscreen should be wider than the pot
Alcohol stoves are more susceptible to wind than conventional backpacking stoves, so a good windscreen is crucial. The windscreen should be designed to wrap all the way around the pot, with a small gap between the two. This gap can be created by making the windscreen slightly wider than the pot or by placing small twigs underneath the edge of the windscreen to lift it and create an air gap.
When creating a DIY windscreen, it is recommended to use materials such as aluminum foil, aluminum flashing, thin metal sheets, or oven liners. The windscreen can be folded or cut to fit the size of the pot, with the ends overlapping and hooked together. It is important to ensure that the windscreen is not too tight, as this can cause overheating.
Additionally, consider adding vent holes to the windscreen to allow for proper airflow and efficient burning. These holes can be punched or cut about 1 inch apart, with the raw material folded into eighths to determine their placement. The windscreen should be designed to fit snugly around the pot while also allowing for adequate airflow and heat retention.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally not recommended to use a tighter-fitting windscreen as it can overheat the gas canister. It is important to leave a gap between the windscreen and the pot to avoid warping. A gap of about a quarter to half an inch around the stove is sufficient.
You can use aluminum foil, which is inexpensive, lightweight, and readily available. Alternatively, you can use oven liners, heavy-duty aluminum foil, or titanium foil.
The height of the windscreen depends on your preference. A taller windscreen will provide more protection from the wind and funnel more heat up the sides of the stove. It should ideally cover 80% of the cookpot.
You can fold the windscreen into eighths and place it at the bottom of your pot.
Yes, you can use a cover made of reflective, fire-retardant material that slips over the pot and outside of the windscreen. This will help vent the heat and protect from the wind.
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