Call:
+84 935 293 693
Mail:
business@waygo.net
Call:
+84 935 293 693
Mail:
business@waygo.net
A Cloud Kiln timber drying system is essentially a cloud-enabled SCADA system in which intelligent control algorithms are integrated into the internal server (integrated into the control desk) and allow for the maintenance of exact kiln climate parameters (dry bulb temperature, wet bulb temperature - DBT/WBT) according to preset programs or user-defined programs. The system continuously records and stores data of the drying process parameters, the statuses of electrical-mechanical equipment, and more about each drying kilns in the whole factory. Cloud connectivity (www.cloudkiln.net) allows the access to historical drying data of all kilns, even when they are geographically distributed.
Advantages of Cloud Kiln technology compared with common drying controllers include:
5-PHASE STANDARD DRYING SCHEDULES & MODULUS DRYING SCHEDULES
Aside from universal drying schedules that usually include a total of 5 phases (Pre-Heating, Core-Heating, Drying, Conditioning, and Cooling), Cloud Kiln systems also include MODULUS DRYING SCHEDULES to provide the flexibility required for custom operation. These can be useful for hard-to-dry timber with special conditions that require special know-how, or for cases where frequent mid-phase processing/conditioning is required as per the specific expertise of the kiln operator.
This flexibility is what kiln controllers on the market don't offer.
These MODULUS DRYING SCHEDULES include:
For all these modulus automated schedules, the system will automatically send a Telegram report to the drying operator and related personnel when the schedule is complete. In addition, while the schedule is in progress, the operator can also stop, pause, or continue the schedule as desired. The system will also send a report via Telegram in these cases.
With these schedules, the system also presents trendline graphs for all drying parameters (i.e., wood moisture, wet bulb temperature, dry bulb temperature, equipment open/close status) over time. These data are also saved to the database every 15 minutes (configurable) to provide accurate data over time for analysis, drying quality improvement, and research for optimal schedule of each timber species or condition of the factory, especially for timber that is difficult to dry, and/or requires frequent intervention and treatment during the drying process that the standard 5-stage automatic schedules cannot meet. These data are also accessible from a mobile device through access to a cloud service (www.cloudkiln.net).
STRUCTURE OF A DRYING KILN & ITS EQUIPMENT
In terms of structure, timber drying kilns are usually built of cement (common in Vietnam) or metal with insulated walls and doors to avoid heat loss. Inside the drying kiln, sensors are installed to measure the temperature, the humidity of the environment (dry bulb thermometer, wet bulb thermometer), and the timber moisture content. Additionally, there is control equipment such as a heating system, fans, flaps, and a sprayer that help regulate the drying kiln's climate and environment.
Figure: Structure of a kiln and its equipment
The equipment in the figure includes:
The specifications of the drying kiln, the specifications of and number of vents, the number and capacity of the blower fans, and the locations of sensors and equipment are all calculated by Waygo to ensure readings of data and control of the kiln environment are accurate, proper, and sufficient.
Aside from the aforementioned standard equipment, the Cloud Kiln system can also monitor power consumption, steam consumption for each drying kiln, and the boiler system used to supply heat.
In addition, Cloud Kiln technology allows the use of up to 02 dry bulb thermometers, allowing an accurate measurement of the drying kiln temperature given that the fan system automatically reverses the wind direction relatively frequently. Furthermore, the system not only uses 04 wood moisture sensors like common controllers on the market, but can also facilitate up to 8 sensors to help sample the drying lot more accurately, especially for cases in which the kiln is large or the timber being dried is not of a high homogeneity.
ELECTRICAL CABINET
Each drying kiln is connected to an electrical cabinet located right outside with equipment to read signals from sensors and command electromechanical devices. The cabinet also has a communication module W-TCP-508 TCP Commander developed by Waygo, which helps connect the kiln equipment to the local TCP control network at the factory (maximum range of up to tens of kilometers), making data communication to the cloud service possible.
Figure: The electrical cabinet and the W-TCP-508 TCP Commander module
CENTRALIZED CONTROL FROM THE CONTROL ROOM
All drying kilns are connected from the electrical cabinets to a central control desk located in an operating room. The control desk is a kiosk system integrated with 2 x 24" screens, dedicated servers and workstations, communication devices, UPS, a proprietary software suite, etc.
Figure: The principles of centralized control and communication
From the control desk, a controller can start, pause, or resume the drying schedules of all kilns in the factory and monitor their progress.
Figure: Center control desk
DATA CONNECTION TO THE CLOUD
The dedicated servers integrated inside the control desk help connect data to the cloud (www.cloudkiln.net) through the Internet connection available at the factory or a low-cost 4G connection via SIM card. The connection allows all drying kilns to communicate data to the cloud. From there, the factory's managers can monitor, and extract statistics and reports of all drying kilns at factories across cities.
Figure: Principle of centralized data
The Cloud Kiln system can also report the status, current parameters of each drying batch, equipment operation status, and boiler system status via Telegram to mobile devices.
IMAGES
The drying schedule editor interface
Real-time drying data
Historical data
Historical equipment status data
A screenshot of data on the cloud
Currently, the Cloud Kiln technology is marketed outside of Vietnam through Waygo's strategic partner, Tritherm Corporation Pte. Ltd. of Singapore. With more than 25 years of experience in both theory and practice in timber drying and controlling the drying process, Tritherm is one of the key partners providing specialized knowledge, practical experience, and equipment in the process of developing Cloud Kiln technology.
As a founder of a company with many years of experience in timber drying and processing, Mr. Godfrey Foo, CEO of Tritherm, is also a regular speaker who participates in international conferences on kiln-dried timber and contributes articles to magazines of the timber industry in several countries.
