Control Specification Matrix

GEN 4/ PROKILN/ MINI-PRO.

All technology types in our broad range embrace state of the art technology to facilitate all of our unique patented features including:

• Cyclic Drying- Multi-Schedule Operation Parameters
• Energy Management Features-
  • Smart Venting
  • Multi-Functional solar heating and insulation control
  • Solar Banking
  • Temperature (Venting) Priority
  • Automated over-temperature control functionality
  • Automated Cloud and Night-Stall Insulation

All systems support a sophisticated array of features and sensing apparatus that make solarkilns the outstanding solar and solar-hybrid technology on the planet.

• Environment control using temperature and humidity sensors and fan variable speed circulation fan units.

  • All of the typical features of conventional kilns-
  • Automated humidity venting
  • Automated humidification via water misting spray systems
  • Supplementary heating booster units where fitted and activated
  • Built in baffle units to achieve uniform circulation airflow
  • Plus the many features that differentiate solarkilns from inferior other inferior technologies.

Prokilns were initially developed as an entry-level technology for smaller operators who are unlikely to require larger kilns and/or multiple kiln purchases that make generation 4 features attractive or viable. Since its inception some years ago, it has been developed beyond our initial expectations. For various reasons, its cost is substantially lower than generation 4 systems –especially where generation 4 control is applied to a single kiln unit.

Generation 4 involves a sophisticated array of base-station equipment including software, central plc hardware, control room, communications systems, complex weather station and requires skilled highly trained engineering personnel to construct and commission. On-kiln control electrical elements also include extremely high capacity programmable logic control (plc) equipment that adds cost, flexibility and positive features to the system that prokiln technology cannot accommodate via its simple and functional micro-chip base system. Devoted telephone lines and web addresses are required for generation 4 external communications and offsite operation and monitoring features.

While the gen- 4 base-station apparatus adds an approximate additional Au$15,000 to the first kiln unit, the cost is minor when it is recognised that a single base station may be used to control 8-10 kiln units on the same site. Additional one-off costs including specialised initial set up and associated travel costs that make the all-up extra first kiln investment in the order of Au$30,000. Since larger prokilns may easily be retrofitted after an initial establishment and proving period, it appears that our early clients generally prefer to initially establish prokiln technology. Given rising demand for our kilns, it is likely that generous trade-back refunds may be made for change-over control systems.