Solar Kiln Wood Drying Process: My Monitoring & Optimization Guide
Welcome back to the Workshop at The Gardens, where exciting developments are underway in the realm of wood drying using a unique solar kiln setup. It’s been three weeks since the first load of wood was placed inside this innovative solar kiln, and in this guide, we’ll take a close look at the progress, the tools being used for monitoring and regulation, and the plans for the future of this remarkable project. This solar kiln, aptly named the “Solar Kiln Plus,” stands out due to its multifaceted nature. Originally designed as a solar kiln, the “Plus” refers to its transformation into a hot box dehumidification kil. This kiln draws inspiration from the West Virginia Virginia Tech solar kiln plans but features adjustments for size and convenience. The base, a relic of a previous project, provided the foundation for this transformation, which led to its other moniker, the “mini bake wood oven.” While the kiln’s location might not be ideal, it has proven functional for this stage of the project. Nestled within the log yard, it benefits from seven hours of sunlight. However, an astute observation reveals the presence of two hackberry trees that intermittently block the sun’s rays—inspiring a future move to a more sun-soaked spot. This relocation is projected to optimize the kiln’s efficiency and shorten drying times. The core of this operation lies in the meticulous monitoring of moisture content within the wood. Three distinct devices play a crucial role in ensuring accurate measurements: the Wagner meter, the Inkbird thermostat, and the Sensor Push sensor. The Wagner meter, Orion 910, employs pinless technology to provide moisture readings. It’s capable of penetrating up to 3/4 of an inch into the wood, making it suitable for various thicknesses. The device is calibrated to specific wood species, which is vital in ensuring accurate readings. The initial measurements taken during loading showed moisture content ranging from 13% to 16%. Over the course of three weeks, these values have dropped considerably to 9-11%. The Inkbird thermostat, a simple yet effective device, controlling kiln’s fans. With a probe inserted through the insulation, it ensures that the internal environment remains within the desired range. Previously linked to an oil burner for heating, it now coordinates the cooling process, ensuring the kiln’s fans turn on at 85 degrees Fahrenheit.The Sensor Push sensor takes center stage in continuous humidity and temperature monitoring. Its real-time data is accessible through a user-friendly app, allowing for instant adjustments and informed decision-making. This level of precision provides a comprehensive view of how the kiln is performing, its reactions to environmental shifts, and insights into the wood’s drying progress. In just three weeks, the kiln has achieved impressive results, with moisture content dropping by around 4-5%. The readings indicate that within another two weeks, the targeted moisture content of 6-8% will likely be achieved. The Sensor Push app provides a graphical representation of temperature and humidity trends, offering insights into the kiln’s behavior during different weather conditions. It’s evident that the adjustment to the Inkbird’s target tempature settings, shifting from 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, had an impact on humidity levels, showcasing the nuances of this drying process.nAs this solar kiln project continues to evolve, the journey takes an exciting turn. Plans for a larger sanitizing box are in the works, paving the way for a comprehensive wood treatment process. Future videos will explore this expansion and other intriguing aspects of the workshop’s activities.
Thank you for joining us on this journey of exploration and learning. If you enjoyed this video and want to stay updated on the latest developments in woodworking, make sure to subscribe, hit the like button, and leave your thoughts in the comments section below. Until next time, keep crafting and keep discovering the endless possibilities of woodworking.
Thanks for checking out the video. Leave a comment about your gardens. Please subscribe to the channel! Again, thank you for watching! ~ Enjoy!!
Make sure to SUBSCRIBE for more milling, landscaping, and gardening tips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFhAtPA-2EM-cHTyZZGVZrQ?sub_confirmation=1
Virgina Tech Solar Kiln Plans : https://sbio.vt.edu/for-the-community/vt-solar-kiln.html
SensorPush Link : https://www.sensorpush.com
———-
WHERE ELSE CAN YOU FIND THE WORKSHOP AT THE GARDENS?
MAKE SURE YOU SAY HI ON SOCIAL: (what, you’re on TIkTok… aren’t you?) Like and Follow…
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glennswitzer/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorkshopatTheGardens/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WorkshopGardens
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@workshop_at_the_gardens
Hometalk: https://www.hometalk.com/member/148644/WorkshopatTheGardens
1 Comment
Hi,
this is the first video of yours, that I saw, so if you already discussed what I'm about to suggest, feel free to ignore this comment.
1. I did some unscientific experiments with a strip of iron (~3'' x 2') painted with matt black oven pipe paint. I can't remember to temperature reading I got from my IR camera, but I think it was in the high 50°C (+122°F) behind a 3x glazed window in the winter sun in germany. Iron has a high absorption capacity for thermal radiation and combined with the high-temp-rated matt black paint it has some serious solar heating abaility. A few of those strips along the air path of your fans might increase the kilns efficiency.
2. To lower the thermal shock from the day-night cycles and smooth out that temperature curve you could place some closed barrels or jerry cans full of water inside the kiln. Water has a high thermal energy capacity, so small-ish amounts could have an effect. It's just an assumption, but this might prevent some cracking in the wood.