Wood Kiln solar

[MOEMOE]

I am looking for info on solar wood kilns to use on my sawmill to dry about
1500 to 2000 bdft a load .If you have any info it would be helpfull.
Thank you
Mike Moore

 

[DaveO]

Mike, here's the easiest found threads on solar kiln design, drying classes, and general thoughts on those topics.

http://www.ncwoodworker.net/forums/search.php?searchid=259622.

I don't know a lot about the subject but there are many members who do and I am sure they will be right along to give you what they know.
Dave

 

[DaveO]

There is tons of info on Woodweb on the subject -
http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Solar_Kiln_Designs_1.html

VA Tech also has a wealth of info -
http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/forestry/420-030/420-030.html

http://www.woodscience.vt.edu/about/extension/vtsolar_kiln/

Here's a well laid out plan - http://forest.wisc.edu/extension/publications/98.pdf

I think that the volume you desire might be a good bit larger than what this information talks about, but you can either double the size of everything or build two to handle the load.
HTH,
Dave

 

[scsmith42]

Mike, most solar kilns are designed for low volume hobbiest applications - such as 500 bd ft or so. When you start getting in the 2000 bd ft range, it's actually less expensive to operate a DH kiln than a solar kiln, due to the cost of running the fans, vents, etc.

The upside is that you will have much better ability to manage the drying process in a DH kiln than you will in a solar kiln. You have the added benefit of being able to condition and equalize your load in a DH (or conventional) kiln, which is difficult to do in a solar unit.

 

[jeff...]

I'm staying out of this discussion, I have enough problems just learning how to saw lumber from logs. Kiln drying lumber is a whole nother ball game.