Solar Kiln Performance At a High Latitude, 48 Degrees N

Over a 2-year period the performance of a passive solar heated lumber dryer was studied and evaluated in terms of the lumber drying rate, kiln temperature,-limber-drying defect and the effect of insulation on kiln temperature at 48?N latitude. The lumber-drying rate in the kiln was 2.3 and 9 times faster than the air-seasoning rates in winter and summer, respectively. The average daily maximum kiln temperature in July was 49.3?c (120.8?F) while the average ambient temperature was 20.2?C (68.4?F). The highest and lowest kiln temperatures in July were 61.1?C (1420F) and 25.7?C (80?F), respectively. The percentage of lumber- drying defect using the solar kiln was 5 to 9 times less than with the air-seasoning method. The result of the wall and roof insulation in the winter period was a gain of 6.6?C (11.8?F). It is concluded that the use of solar energy for lumber drying at a high latitude is feasible.

You must be logged in to download any documents. Please login (login accounts are free) or learn how to Become a Member