Step three in a professional crop storage system

Transcription

1 Martin Lishman Crop Monitoring and Automatic Control Step three in a professional crop storage system Cost-effective crop monitoring equipment to ensure the highest crop quality Automatic fan controllers for energy efficient crop cooling and drying Barn Owl Wireless Control and Monitoring System From hand-held monitors to a web-based wireless monitoring and control system, we have a wide range of solutions to your crop monitoring and automatic fan control requirements. Turn over to select the right one for you. Martin Lishman Professional Crop Storage Systems

2 Professional Crop Monitoring Crop Monitoring This is critical to your business. The highest quality crops earn the highest price. Crop monitoring gives early warning of possible quality problems with your grain and gives you the time to take action before the situation gets worse. Crop monitoring shows whether drying and cooling has been effective and targets have been reached - which can save energy by avoiding unnecessary fan use. What to monitor Changes in temperature are the best indicator of grain quality, so temperature measurement is essential. Ambient air humidity measurement will indicate the suitability of air for drying grain. Testing for insect presence will confirm if monitoring and control has been effective. Temperature Safe long-term storage requires regular monitoring and control of crop temperature. Ideally, temperatures should reach 5 C to reduce the viability of disease, insects and moulds. Measuring temperature shows if the cooling system is effective and gives early warning of problems - a rise in temperature can indicate insect activity. Humidity Knowing the humidity of the air that will be used for drying grain is essential to ensure that drying targets are reached as quickly and energy-efficiently as possible. Damp air will not increase grain moisture, but it will reduce the efficiency of drying systems if damp air is allowed to enter the grain bulk. Insects If you monitor stored grain for insect activity corrective action can be taken and costly rejections avoided. Low temperatures suppress insect breeding and prevent activity. Cooling below 15 C prevents saw-toothed grain beetles developing; below 10 C stops grain weevils; below 5 C prevents storage mite activity. Temperature C At risk from insects Safe storage At risk from mites Liable to fungal growth and quality deterioration Grain Moisture Content % If you are storing grain for any period of time, it is important to understand the risk areas of grain temperature and grain moisture. As the graphic above shows, any grain that is not dry enough and cool enough will be at risk from insect infestation or fungal growth. There is a safe storage zone (the hatched area on the graphic) which allows moist grain to be stored if it is cooled to about 5 C or very dry grain to be stored at temperatures up to 15 C. The best option is to dry the grain to your target moisture and then cool it to as low a temperature as ambient conditions will allow. Why is it so important to monitor stored crops and control ventilation fans automatically? Dry and cool quickly - avoid quality problems and extend storage life Improve crop quality - avoid rejections or deductions Easier store management - know when and where to use fans Save labour time and cost - speed up monitoring and avoid unnecessary trips to remote stores Reduce energy costs - only use fans when ambient air can do some good Be in control - so you can decide when to sell your grain 2

3 Simple Crop Temperature Monitoring Minitemp Temperature Monitor A simple digital monitor used most commonly with the 1.5m portable temperature sensor. The sensor s fast response means the temperature display stabilises soon after insertion in the grain. Functions: Max, Min, Hold, Auto-off. Range: - 40 C to 150 C. Accuracy: +/- 0.4 C over range -10 C to 70 C. Supplied with calibration certificate. Product Code: CQ/MTM10 Minitemp Temperature Monitor and 1.5m Portable Sensor Benefits The simplest way to measure crop temperature and conform to quality assurance schemes Easy to use - just push into the grain and take a reading Fast response sensor - so several readings can be taken in a short time An inexpensive crop monitoring solution Disadvantages Labour-intensive. Large stores can take a long time to monitor Readings must be written down and transcribed to records No link to fan control, so fans must be switched manually 3m 2m 1.5m Flexible cable Simple Multi-Sensor Crop Monitoring Portable and static sensors that connect to the Minitemp Temperature Monitor. The fast-response 1.5m portable sensor is stainless steel; static sensors are rigid PVC 2m or 3m long or flexible cable of any length. Operating range for monitor and sensor combinations: -40 C to 125 C; accuracy > +/-1 C over this range. Create a simple multi-sensor monitoring system using a Minitemp monitor, a Multi-Sensor Selector and up to 12 static crop sensors. The sensors connect by cable (any length) to the selector which can be conveniently located at ground level near to the store door. Multi-Sensor Selector A simple junction box capable of having up to 12 crop sensors plugged into it. Supplied with connecting lead to the Minitemp monitor. A rotary selector connects each sensor in turn to the Minitemp and gives the sensor reading. Product Code: CQ/MULTISWITCH British Made British Made Crop Temperature Sensors British Made Product Codes: 1.5m sensor - CQ/MTM10PS; 2m sensor - FC054; 3m - FC055; Flexible - TEMPFLEXSENSOR10/(length) Sensor extension cables These can be supplied to any length, but are usually in multiples of 10 metres. A single long length is better than several shorter lengths joined together. Each cable is fitted with a jack plug and locking jack socket. Crop Temperature Monitoring in Bulk Stores When? Record the crop temperature readings once per week until the stored grain has been cooled to 5 C (which should be achievable by December); and then every two weeks thereafter. Where? Take one temperature reading for every 100 tons stored 3 to 5 m deep. Use an imaginary 6m x 6m grid over the grain surface and take a reading in the centre of each grid square. This helps to always take readings in the same place and shows actual changes rather than location differences. In deeper grain, take readings using a 10m x 10m grid. If Pile-Dry Pedestals and Fans are used to ventilate grain, measure the temperature at the mid point between groups of 4 Pedestals since this is the last point to cool. Benefits Provides multiple temperature records quickly and ensures readings are always taken in the same place Saves time walking across the grain surface and makes it quicker to decide where to locate cooling fans A relatively inexpensive crop monitoring solution Disadvantages Still quite labour-intensive Readings must be written down and transcribed to records No link to fan control, so fans must be switched manually Professional Crop Storage Systems How deep? Measure crop temperature within the top m of grain depth. This is where any change in temperature will be seen. 3

4 Simple Ambient Temperature & Humidity Monitoring Ambient Temperature It is important to regularly measure the air inside the grain store if you are ventilating with Pile-Dry Pedestals, or the outside air if you are blowing air in from the outside using underfloor ducts. Measurements should be taken when fans are operating and at the beginning and end of each day when air temperatures can change quite rapidly. Cooling with Ambient Air If ambient air is cooler than the stored crop then it can cool it. If it is warmer than the crop then it will not cool it. If fans are used when the air is warmer than the grain, the grain temperature can increase again. This wastes energy and means the grain will take longer to cool. Do not be concerned if there is occasional rain or damp periods during the cooling period. It is quite difficult for this air to re-wet the grain. British Made Static Thermo-Hygrometers To measure air humidity and temperature in a fixed location. Panel-mounted Thermo-hygrometer Panel-mounted digital hygrometer and thermometer for mounting in grain stores for quick assessment of air condition. Range: 0-50 C; 20-99% RH Accuracy: +/-1 C; +/-3%RH Product Code: CQ/HYGWALL Portable Thermo-Hygrometers Hand-held units to measure air humidity and temperature in variable locations. Ideal for air-flow and grain store monitoring. Digital Thermo-hygrometer Portable digital meter to measure temperature, humidity & dewpoint. Data hold, min/max memory, auto off, low battery features. Range: 0-100% RH; C Accuracy: +/-2%RH; +/-1 C Product Code: CQ/HYGDIG Kestrel 3000 Environment Meter Tunnel Hygrometer Portable humidity & temperature meter. Ideal for taking measurements in an air stream such as a grain store tunnel. Includes detachable probe & 1m connection cable; min/max memory; low battery indicator. Range: 25-95% RH; C Accuracy: +/-5%RH; +/-1 C Product Code: CQ/HYGTUNNEL Combined anemometer, thermometer & hygrometer. Waterproof & shock resistant. Range: 1-143km/h; C; 0-100%RH. Accuracy: +/-3% of reading. Wind units: m/s, ft/min, km/h, mph, knots Product Code: CQ/K/3000 British Made Jumbo Memory Thermo-hygrometer Temperature and humidity meter with large LCD display. Range: C; 25-98%RH Accuracy: +/-1 C; +/-5%RH Product Code: CQ/HYGJUMBO Ambient Humidity and Drying with Ambient Air To ensure drying targets are reached energy-efficiently, it is essential to know the humidity of the air that will be used for drying grain. Damp air will not increase grain moisture, but can reduce drying system efficiency if it enters the grain. If ambient air is drier than the stored crop then it can dry it. If it is wetter than the crop then it will not dry it. The ability of air to dry grain depends on the relative humidity (RH) of the air and its temperature. Warm air can hold more moisture, so is more effective at drying. Relative Humidity/Grain Moisture Content relationship at 20 C In the example above, air of 77% RH at 20 C will dry grain down to 17% moisture. To dry grain down to 15%, the air needs to be at 66% RH or it needs to be warmer. This information is a guide only and is given more comprehensively in the HGCA Grain Storage Guide. Log on to if you do not have a copy. The relationship between grain moisture content and the air RH varies with air temperature. The point at which grain can be dried by air of a particular RH and temperature is the equilibrium relative humidity. These points can be joined on a graph to give a guide to see if air of a particular RH can be used to dry grain (see left). By measuring ambient RH and grain moisture content, and referring to the graph, a decision can be made as to whether fans can dry the grain using ambient air. 4

5 Temperature ('C) Cooling Grain with Pile-Dry Pedestals - with manual fan control Air temperature 'C Days Grain temperature 'C - with manual fan control Automatic 35 Fan Control Temperature ('C) Cooling Grain with Pile-Dry Pedestals Air temperature 'C Comparing Manual and Automatic Fan Control A B 3 days C Grain temperature 'C The Cooling consequences Grain with of cooling Pile-Dry grain Pedestals with manual fan control are shown clearly. In the 3 days highlighted with 2 automatic 3 4 fan 5control the air temperature increased from A to B. The grain continued Fan use to cool Days for a while but then increased again Air temperature from C to 'CD. The result is the same Grain temperature 'C grain temperature but 3 days of wasted energy. D Automatic Control Benefits Reach temperature and moisture targets more quickly compared to manual fan control. The most energyefficient way to cool and dry grain - can save up to 40% of energy costs. Makes the best use of suitable ambient air for cooling and drying. Temperature ('C) Cooling Grain with Pile-Dry Pedestals - with automatic fan control Fan use Air temperature 'C Grain temperature 'C Days Temperature ('C) A B C 3 days Days Automatic control has ensured that when the air temperature increases from A to B the fans switch off until the air temperature drops below A again. During that time the grain temperature remained at C but continued to fall when the fans switched on again automatically. The result is 3 days of energy saved and the grain cooled more efficiently. C Grain temperature and moisture reach lower levels compared to manual fan control. Starting the cooling process earlier avoids condensation problems later. Decreases fungal problems and insect infestation by lowering grain temperatures and moistures below their viability levels. Case Study: Cutting the cost of grain cooling Soaring energy prices have made grain drying and cooling expensive, but research has been undertaken which shows that using a Temperature Differential Controller can reduce cooling energy costs by up to 40%. As part of the project, co-ordinated by HGCA, farms were surveyed to find out if grain cooling targets were being achieved. At Stewart Vernon s farm in Darlington, the results of using a Martin Lishman Temperature Differential Controller installed in one grain store were compared with turning Pile-Dry Fans on and off manually. The resulting grain temperatures were similar in both stores, but the savings in electricity costs in the automatically controlled store reached 40%. As well as the benefit of energy savings, the comparison of management methods demonstrated the importance of being aware of air temperature in relation to grain temperature. In particular, the project proved that suitable cooling air can be available at all times of day, as well as at night. Types of Automatic Control Temperature Differential The simplest, fastest and most energy-efficient way to cool grain with low volume ventilation and make the best use of ambient air. Can save up to 40% of energy costs (see left). Thermo-Humidistat A simple control method for cooling and drying, frequently used with large underfloor duct fans. Ensures that fans only operate when ambient conditions are suitable. Barn Owl A stand-alone controller with optional control programmes for crop cooling and drying; or a comprehensive web-based wireless temperature monitoring and fan control system suitable for all store types. Source: HGCA Grain Outlook, Issue 20, September Professional Crop Storage Systems 5

6 Automatic Crop Cooling with Monitoring Automatic Control with Temperature Monitoring Crop monitoring can be added to both static and portable versions of the Temperature Differential Controller using up to twelve 2m long crop temperature sensors and suitable length extension cables. Sensors are selected using a Multi-Sensor Selector in a separate box for the static controller or built in to a portable controller. The controller displays individual sensor temperatures which can be recorded as part of quality assurance scheme monitoring requirements. Additional sensors also assist store management decisions by showing where to locate the Pedestal fans (usually on the Pedestals adjacent to the hottest grain). The sensor showing the highest temperature would be connected to the controller and would be used (in conjunction with the air temperature sensor) to switch the fans on automatically. Static Temperature Differential Controller Fast, energy-efficient crop cooling - saves up to 40% in energy costs Displays crop and ambient temperature Controls any quantity of single or 3 phase fans, including building extraction fans Includes 2m rigid crop temperature sensor and air temperature sensor, manual and frost stat override facilities The Temperature Differential Controller automatically controls any type and quantity of fans to cool crops during ventilation. Sensors measure the air and crop temperature. If the crop temperature is 5 C more than the air temperature, the fans are switched on. This occurs only when the air can cool the grain, so cooling is faster and uses up to 40% less energy. Installation of Static Temperature Differential Controller The controller connects to the fan via an automatic starter. Multiple fans are controlled using additional starters fitted with a time delay. The location and arrangement of the components depends on the existing electrical set-up in the building. The most common arrangement is shown below. Fan contactor/ starter Starter with time delay 1ph or 3ph Extension leads (any length) across surface of grain to fan located on Pedestal 1ph Extension cables to air and crop sensors Items Supplied: The basic unit comprises the controller with temperature sensor display, air temperature sensor with 10m extension cable and 2m crop temperature sensor with 20m extension cable. Product Code: FC049/A Also available (with Product Codes): 3m crop sensors (FC055) Extension cables (FC046/length) Automatic fan starters with and without timer for Pile-Dry fans (code depends on fan model) Starters for other fans available. Automatic Control of StoreVent Extraction Fan Static Temperature Differential Control with Crop Monitoring Static Temperature Differential Controller Multi-Sensor Selector A StoreVent building extraction fan can be used in conjunction with both static and portable versions of the Temperature Differential Controller. The extraction fan will turn on automatically whenever the crop ventilating fans are in use. This will enable the warm, moist air to be extracted from the building as it is extracted from the grain. Both types of automatic controller can also be used in manual mode so that dust can be extracted by the StoreVent fan when loading and unloading a store. Items required: Static Temperature Differential Controller c/w temperature sensor display, air temperature sensor & 10m extension cable, 2m crop temperature sensor & 20m extension cable. Product Code: FC049/A Multi-Sensor Selector - Junction box with 12 crop sensor sockets & connecting lead to controller. A selector connects each sensor in turn to the controller & gives the sensor reading. Code: CQ/MULTISWITCH Additional Crop sensors: 2m (FC054); 3m (FC055) Additional Extension cables: (FC046/length) Automatic fan starters with and without timer for Pile-Dry fans (code depends on fan model) Starters for other fans available. Add up to 12 crop temperature sensors to a static temperature differential controller to create a simple logging system 6

7 Automatic Crop Cooling with Monitoring Portable Temperature Differential Controller All the features of the static unit (see left), plus: Fully portable, allowing controller to be moved around the store or between stores, according to where crop ventilation fans are being used Avoids extensive electrical installation work. Only requires a power supply suitable for the fans being controlled and appropriate fan extension cables Includes all fan power plugs and sockets and built-in heater connection sockets* The Portable Temperature Differential Controller solves the problem of sharing ventilating fans between crop stores on the same site or different sites, with just one controller. The portable controller can be easily moved between stores when the fans are re-located. * for use with F2 Pile-Dry Fans Installation of Portable Temperature Differential Controller The controller requires connection to a modern-style single or 3-phase 32 amp power supply socket. Up to 5 fans (depending on current rating) are connected to the controller using suitable extension cables. Items Supplied: The unit comprises the board mounted Temperature Differential Controller with temperature display, 32amp power input socket, plugs, starters and timers and output sockets for fans, 1 x air temperature sensor with 10m extension lead, 1 x 2m crop temperature sensor with 20m extension lead Product Code: FCBM + fan quantity + fan type Also available (with Product Codes): 3m crop sensors (FC055) Extension cables (FC046/length) Extension cables to air and crop sensors 32Amp wall socket Extension leads across surface of grain to fan located on Pedestal Portable Temperature Differential Control with Monitoring Portable Temperature Differential Controller Add up to 12 crop temperature sensors to a portable temperature differential controller to create a versatile logging system Items required: Portable Temperature Differential Controller board-mounted unit c/w temperature sensor display, 32amp power input socket, plugs, starters, timers & output sockets for fans, air temperature sensor with 10m extension lead, 2m crop temperature sensor with 20m extension lead, built-in Multi-Sensor Selector with 12 crop sensor sockets. Product Codes: FCBM (fan quantity + fan type) & FCBMMS12 Additional Crop sensors: 2m (FC054); 3m (FC055) Additional Extension cables: (FC046/length) Temperature Differential Control with StoreVent fan control Add automatic or manual control of StoreVent building air extraction fans to the static or portable versions of the Temperature Differential Controller to create a complete control and monitoring system Additional items required: Depending on the StoreVent fan quantity and size, the additional automatic starting function can be provided either by installing additional automatic starters with the controller or by adding a remote switched output to the portable controller. Product Code: Please enquire StoreVent Belt-drive Extraction Fan Professional Crop Storage Systems 7

8 Automatic Crop Cooling & Drying Which Automatic Fan Controller to Use Temperature Differential Temperature Differential Control achieves high quality grain and safe, longterm storage. Even if your grain has been through a drier, it is essential to cool it afterwards quickly and efficiently with temperature differential control to avoid insect infestation. You can store fairly wet grain for quite long periods providing it is cool, fresh and well ventilated. Spoilage due to moulds and insects will occur very quickly in warm grain. Static Thermo-Humidistat Controller Simple automatic control of drying and cooling Makes best use of ambient air for drying and cooling Displays ambient air temperature & relative humidity Includes air temperature and humidity sensors Controls any quantity and type of single or 3 phase fans, including building extraction fans Controls fans using pre-set limits Ideal for simple humidity control of drying fans Items Supplied: The basic unit comprises the control panel with RH and temperature sensor display, setting adjustment pads, air temperature and humidity sensors. Accuracy: +/-0.2 C at 25 C, range: C; +/-5%RH over 0-100% RH. Product Code: FC003 Also available: Automatic fan starters with and without timer for Pile-Dry fans (code depends on fan model) Starters for other fans available. Starters for large underfloor fans may require specification by a local electrician. The Thermo-Humidistat Controller controls fans so that only air good enough to cool or dry the crop is used for ventilation. Sensors monitor ambient relative humidity and temperature and automatically start the fans if conditions fall below pre-set limits. The controller connects to the fan via an automatic starter. Multiple fans are controlled using additional starters fitted with a time delay. The location of the components will depend on the existing electrical set-up in the building. Thermo-Humidistat Drying grain using ambient air can be quicker and more likely to succeed using Thermo-Humidistat control. Measuring grain moisture and using pre-set humidity limits on the controller ensures that ventilation fans don t draw damp air into the grain and are only used to dry the grain. Remember that ambient air cannot be guaranteed to dry grain and the speed of drying will vary according to ambient conditions. Barn Owl This controller combines the benefits of our controllers in one unit, and includes 3 drying programmes. These take the guess-work out of drying grain with ambient air. Each option allows only air of appropriate humidity to ventilate the grain. Since the controller also includes crop temperature measurement, the control can revert to temperature differential control after drying has been completed. Items Supplied: Static Barn Owl Stand-Alone Temperature & Humidity Fan Controller Comprehensive automatic control of drying and cooling all in one controller Makes best use of ambient air for drying & cooling Eight control programmes, including 3 drying programmes & temperature differential control Displays of crop temperature, ambient air temperature & relative humidity Single or dual channel versions to control any quantity & type of single or 3 phase fans, including building extraction fans The basic unit comprises the stand-alone controller with RH and temperature sensor display, air temperature sensor with 10m extension cable and 2m crop temperature sensor with 20m extension cable. Fans can be switched using pre-set programs to off, manual or 2 cooling and 4 drying automatic modes. Accuracy: +/-3%RH over 0-90% RH, +/-5% above 90%; +/-0.5 C over 0-70 C, full range C. Product Codes: BARNOWLCONTSA (single channel) BARNOWLCONTSAD (dual channel) Also available (with Product Codes): 3m crop sensors (FC055) Extension cables (FC046/length) Automatic fan starters with and without timer for Pile-Dry fans (code depends on fan model) Starters for other fans available. Starters for large underfloor fans may require specification by a local electrician. The Barn Owl Controller uses ambient humidity & temperature and crop temperature sensors to control crop drying & cooling with any type and quantity of crop store fan. Programmes include temperature differential, humidistat control & 3 drying options. The Dual version controls more than one fan using two different control programs giving independent control of fans in different parts of the store. 8

9 Automatic Crop Cooling & Drying Portable Thermo-Humidistat Controller All the features of the static unit, plus: Fully portable, allowing controller to be moved around the store or between stores, according to where crop ventilation fans are being used Avoids extensive electrical installation work. Only requires a power supply suitable for the fans being controlled and appropriate fan extension cables Includes all fan power plugs & sockets and built-in heater connection sockets* The Portable Thermo-Humidistat Controller solves the problem of sharing ventilating fans between crop stores on the same site or different sites, with just one controller. The portable controller can be easily moved between stores when the fans are re-located. * for use with F2 Pile-Dry Fans Installation of Portable Thermo-Humidistat Controller The controller simply needs connecting to a modern-style single or 3-phase 32 amp power supply socket. Up to 5 fans (depending on current rating) are connected to the controller using suitable extension cables. Items Supplied: Board mounted Thermo-Humidistat Controller with temperature display and RH display, 32amp power input socket, plugs, starters and timers and output sockets for fans, 1 x air temperature sensor, 1 x air RH sensor Product Code: FCBM/TH + fan quantity + fan type 32Amp wall socket Extension leads across surface of grain to fan located on Pedestal Portable Barn Owl Stand-Alone Temperature & Humidity Controller All the features of the static unit, plus: Fully portable, allowing controller to be moved around the store or between stores, according to where crop ventilation fans are being used Avoids extensive electrical installation work. Only requires a power supply suitable for the fans being controlled and appropriate fan extension cables Includes all fan power plugs & sockets and built-in heater connection sockets* The Portable Barn Owl Stand-Alone Temperature & Humidity Controller solves the problem of sharing ventilating fans between crop stores on the same site or different sites, with just one controller. The portable controller can be easily moved between stores when the fans are re-located. * for use with F2 Pile-Dry Fans Installation of Portable Stand-Alone Barn Owl Temperature & Humidity Controller The controller simply needs connecting to a modern-style single or 3-phase 32 amp power supply socket. Up to 5 fans (depending on current rating) are connected to the controller using suitable extension cables. Items Supplied: Board mounted Barn Owl Controller with temperature display and RH display, 32amp power input socket, plugs, starters and timers and output sockets for fans, 1 x air temperature and RH sensor with 10m extension lead, 1 x 2m crop temperature sensor with 20m extension lead Product Code: FCBM/BO + fan quantity + fan type Extension cables to air and crop sensors 32Amp wall socket Extension leads across surface of grain to fan located on Pedestal Professional Crop Storage Systems 9

10 Wireless Automatic Crop Cooling, Drying & Monitoring Barn Owl Wireless The most advanced automatic fan control and crop monitoring system available What can Barn Owl Wireless do? Many types of remote monitoring, including: Temperature Humidity and moisture Weather Levels Motion Gas Automatic control of many types of equipment, including: Cooling and drying fans Ventilation systems Generators Crop stirrers Irrigation pumps Alarm systems..the possibilities are virtually endless. Wireless and Remote Monitoring and Automatic Fan Control with Data Storage and Management Webpage Where can Barn Owl Wireless be installed? Flat floor stores Drying floors Driers Silo or bin complexes Potato stores Livestock buildings Compost production Fuel tanks.. and many other types of monitoring and control situations How does Barn Owl Wireless work? Sensors are fitted with radio transmitters Data is transmitted to a Gateway (hub) located nearby The Gateway sends the data by mobile phone signal to the internet The data is accessed on the internet from any location Farm Office Barn Owl Wireless step by step Grain Store 1. Temperature data is sent from the store to the webpage 2. Data on the webpage is accessed via the internet 3. Fan controls are selected on the webpage 4. Fans are controlled automatically by the webpage 10

11 Wireless Automatic Crop Cooling, Drying & Monitoring Barn Owl Wireless in Flat Floor Stores and Drying Floors Wireless Monitoring Components Wireless Gateway Typical store layout with Pile-Dry Pedestals as the ventilation system Every time you log on to Barn Owl Wireless: Get live colour-coded grain temperature updates from your Pedestal store, identify which areas need further cooling or drying and select the fans required The Gateway is a gsminternet link to handle all sensors and controllers in one location. It should be located in the highest point of the store or a high point on the storage site. If there is more than one building on the site a wireless Bridge unit will be needed for each one. This will enhance sensor data transfer between them. The Gateway and Bridge require a 240v power supply. Barn Owl Wireless can be configured for all types of under -floor ducts and drying floors: To give grain temperature updates and control the fans required for further cooling or drying Key features of Barn Owl Wireless for crop storage: Entirely web-based system - no software to install. Wireless radio transmitters attached to sensors in grain stores or silos. No manual crop temperature measurement or driving to remote stores to switch fans on or off and to record temperatures. All store or silo locations managed from the same webpage. Verifiable quality assurance records, with read-only online access for storage customers. Modular system with no limit to the quantity of sensors or automatic fan controllers. Independent control of ventilating fans provide significant energy cost savings. Wireless Sensors Flat Store Crop Temperature Sensors A battery powered radio transmitter attached to a 2 or 3m rigid crop sensor, ideally placed at the midpoint between Pedestals or ventilation ducts. This is the best monitoring point since it is the last to be cooled when fans are operating. More sensors can be added at any time if closer spacing is required. Ambient Sensors Ambient sensors read air temperatures which are compared with crop readings for temperature differential control. For drying control a combined ambient temperature and RH sensor is available. Both require connection to a 240v power supply. Professional Crop Storage Systems 11

12 Wireless Automatic Crop Cooling, Drying & Monitoring Wireless Monitoring Components Barn Owl Wireless in Silo and Bin Storage Multi-sensor Transmitter A 230v powered multisensor transmitter unit, IP rated for outdoor use, sited on the silo gantry or similar location. The unit will accept sensor inputs from up to 160 sensing points. The unit displays sensor temperatures at the push of a button and transmits the crop temperature at each sensing point to the Gateway every 10 minutes. Temperatures will be displayed on the user s webpage. Silo Sensors A robust silo pendant with digital sensors at 2 or 3m intervals, which can be up to 60m long. The pendants are suspended from a suitable anchoring point and tethered at the base to prevent them moving during silo fill. Of durable antistatic construction for high loads, and certified for ATEX Zone 20/21/22, up to 8 pendants with a total of 160 sensing points can be hard wired to a single multi-sensor transmitter. Sensor pendants are supplied fitted with heavy duty securing hook, IP rated connection housing and cable for connection to the multi-sensor transmitter. Silos of any size can be monitored using Barn Owl Wireless: To display accurate temperature readings deep in the silo, highlight any hot spots and control ventilating fans Clicking on the circle displays a side view showing the temperature at each level in the string. If the colour is black this means there is no grain covering the sensor - and also gives a guide to the depth of grain in the silo. Typical display of grain silos fitted with silo strings containing multi-level temperature sensors. Aerial view shows highest temperature in the string. Bin stores can be monitored to display individual temperatures in each bin - valuable, as in the case above, when storing different varieties of seed. 12

13 Wireless Automatic Crop Cooling, Drying & Monitoring Barn Owl Wireless in Potato Storage and Compost Production Wireless Monitoring Components Multi-input Wireless Sensors Every time you log on to Barn Owl Wireless: Get live colour-coded temperature updates from potato boxes or bulk stored potatoes, identify where further cooling is needed and select the fan control program required A representation of a 4-way multi-input wireless unit with flexible cable temperature sensors inserted into potato boxes. Multi-input sensors comprise a battery powered radio transmitter attached to up to 4 flexible cable or rigid crop sensors. The sensors can be placed in potato boxes or in bulk stored potatoes. Any quantity of transmitters and sensors can be used. The flexible sensors can be any length; the rigid sensors are 2m or 3m long. Waterproof Wireless Sensors Barn Owl Wireless waterproof sensors attached to stainless steel temperature probes are ideally suited for monitoring both indoor and outdoor compost production facilities. Accurate verifiable records of temperature over time can prove that quality standards have been fulfilled. Remote monitoring avoids unnecessary testing and ensures that turning takes place at the correct time. Using Barn Owl Wireless Monitoring temperatures throughout the storage period ensures efficient use of cooling and drying fans and conforms to quality assurance schemes. As cooling and drying progress, monitoring indicates which areas of the store require further attention and which ventilating ducts and fans need to be used. The user configures automatic fan controllers remotely via the internet from the Barn Owl Wireless webpage. Fans are controlled independently and automatically according to the stored commodity temperature and ambient conditions using a selection of cooling and drying programs. The programs control the fans so that only air good enough to cool or dry the commodity is used for ventilation. The fans automatically start if ambient conditions fall below pre-set limits. The Barn Owl Wireless waterproof sensor comprises a battery powered radio transmitter in an IP65 rated enclosure with digital temperature display. Shown here attached to a 2m stainless steel compost temperature probe, it can be connected to up to 3 flexible cable or rigid crop sensors. Other Wireless Sensors The possibilities for sensing using the Barn Owl Wireless system are virtually unlimited. Any sensor which produces a measurable electric output, whether battery or mains powered, can be re-configured to transmit this information to the webpage where it would be presented in a useable form. This means that functions such as soil moisture measurement, gas detection, motion detection and weather recording can be linked to Barn Owl Wireless. Professional Crop Storage Systems 13

14 Wireless Automatic Crop Cooling, Drying & Monitoring Wireless Control Components Wireless Automatic Fan Controllers From the Barn Owl Wireless webpage the user selects from drying and cooling programs to control each fan individually. Fan overload warnings are displayed automatically on the webpage. Manual control is also possible. Wireless fan controllers are available as static units for control of up to 12 fans or portable units for up to 5 fans. Larger quantities are controlled by more control units. Ambient temperature and RH sensors can also be built in. Static Wireless Controllers Barn Owl Wireless Automatic Controllers All fans are controlled independently by the Barn Owl Wireless Automatic Fan Controllers: To make significant energy savings and reach target temperatures and moistures more quickly Barn Owl Wireless Control Programs Shown below is a typical webpage display of control program options demonstrating how each fan can have its own separate program. StoreVent building ventilation fans are also controlled in the same way so that they also operate whenever a ventilating fan is turned on automatically. Static controllers can be connected to StoreVent building air extraction fans, large crop drying fans, fan control panels or other static installations. An automatic starter is required for each fan being controlled. Portable Wireless Controllers Control Program Selection Controller 1, which is a 5 fan portable unit, has one fan on Temperature Differential control, 3 fans on Drying Program 1 and one fan on Drying Program 2 Control Program Options Portable controllers work well with Pile-Dry Pedestal Fans. The portable board mounted unit is supplied with all plugs, sockets and automatic starters for control of up to 5 single or 3 phase fans, so avoids extensive electrical installation work. All that is required is a 32 amp power supply socket. Temperature Differential Control - to cool grain after drying Fan will turn on if a temperature reading of the nearest crop sensors is more than 5 C above the temperature of the nearest ambient sensor. Drying Program 1 - to dry grain that is less than 16% moisture content Fan will turn on if the nearest ambient RH sensor reads less than 62%RH. Drying Program 2 - to dry grain that is 16-18% moisture content Fan will turn on if the nearest ambient RH sensor reads less than 72%RH. Drying Program 3 - to dry grain that is more than 18% moisture content Fan will turn on if the nearest ambient RH sensor reads less than 83%RH. Thermo-humidistat - for user-set control settings Fan will turn on if the temperature and RH measured by the nearest ambient sensor are less than the levels set in the program by the user. For all programs fan start is delayed until conditions are stable for 10 minutes. On-screen guidance is provided to help when choosing the most suitable control program. 14

15 Wireless Automatic Crop Cooling, Drying & Monitoring Barn Owl Wireless Data Monitoring and Storage Barn Owl Wireless can provide historical grain temperature data in graph or table formats: To provide verifiable records of cooling progress and fan usage for the user and, if required, for contract storage customers Interactive graph can display selected individual ambient or crop sensor records or a minimum, maximum or average across all sensors. A sudden drop in ambient temperature triggers automatic fan operation and a sharp drop in crop temperature All automatic fan use can be shown or individual fans can be selected. Wireless Monitoring Results Reduced crop cooling time HGCA guidance is that grain should be cooled to 15 C within 14 days of harvest and below 5 C by the end of December. This ensures insect activity is suppressed and maintains grain quality. The ability to reach cooling targets depends entirely on ambient conditions and the efficiency of the cooling system. If air temperature doesn t reach 15 C within 2 weeks, the target is impossible to reach. Using Barn Owl Wireless, users have achieved the following cooling speeds: Grain starting at C - reached 15 C between days after harvest. reached 10 C in days reached 5 C in days, and as early as the end of November. Crop Temperature Data ( C) Barn Owl Wireless temperature data can be downloaded in Excel table format to show every temperature reading for every sensor, every period of fan operation and the cost of running the fans. Fan Run Time (Hours) Fan Run Cost ( ) Secure Data Transmission, Storage and Retrieval An important feature of Barn Owl Wireless is robust data transmission. Unique programming ensures no data or control signal is lost. If the GSM network is out of action, the Gateway retains all data, continues automatic fan operation and transmits the data when communications are restored. All data is stored and backed up in secure web servers on the Microsoft cloud network. Loss of data from such a storage system is virtually impossible. Data can be retrieved and downloaded at any time in both graphical and tabular formats to suit quality assurance needs. The data service is provided under a flexible contract basis. Additional benefits include an on-line alert facility, additional log-on facility for multiple users (such as contract storage customers) and access to data from any PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone (not Blackberry) anywhere in the world. Reduced energy use Independent research has proved that Martin Lishman Temperature Differential Controllers can reduce the energy cost of cooling grain by 40%. Using Barn Owl Wireless makes it possible to reduce energy costs even further. Since all fans are controlled independently in relation to each individual crop sensor, and only when ambient air is suitable, this means that fan use is as efficient as it is possible to be. Some of the energy use results from Barn Owl Wireless users make for fascinating reading: Users spent between 370 and 700 to cool their grain to below 5 C. In the sample analysed, store sizes varied from 500 to 2500 tons, so this equates to between 28p and 40p per ton to cool grain to the target temperature. The largest store was the fastest to cool the grain and had the most efficient energy consumption. Professional Crop Storage Systems 15

16 Professional Crop Storage Systems Four steps to improving your crop storage Pile-Dry Pedestals & Fans The highest grain quality with the fastest cooling system The only low volume system able to dry grain Backed by research and 40 years experience - see the Martin Lishman Pile-Dry Pedestals and Fans brochure for further details. StoreVent Crop Store Air Extraction System Building ventilation to maximise the efficiency of all crop cooling and drying systems - ensures sufficient air exchange to maintain cool, fresh air in the crop store at all times. Can be linked to Martin Lishman automatic fan controllers. - see the Martin Lishman StoreVent brochure for further details. Automatic Fan Control & Crop Monitoring Portable and static automatic fan controllers for energy efficient crop cooling and drying Cost effective crop monitoring equipment to ensure the highest crop quality Trouble-Dry Hot Spot Spears & Fans Portable and economic cooling - a simple solution to a common problem An emergency solution to hot spots where Pile-Dry Pedestals are not in use - see the Martin Lishman Trouble-Dry brochure for further details. SPECIFICATIONS Martin Lishman control and monitoring systems are available to suit different storage situations. Talk to your local dealer or contact Martin Lishman to discuss the best system to meet your requirements. Martin Lishman monitoring and control systems are produced and distributed nationally and internationally exclusively by Martin Lishman Ltd. We reserve the right to alter product specifications at any time without notice. Barn Owl is a trademark of J.F.Temple & Son Ltd. J.F.Temple & Son Ltd StoreVent is a trademark of Martin Lishman Ltd. Pile-Dry Pedestals is a registered trademark of Martin Lishman Ltd. All business is subject to our terms and conditions. A full copy can be supplied on request. Martin Lishman Ltd July 2015 Your Crop Monitoring and Automatic Control Supplier: Martin Lishman Ltd, Unit 2B Roman Bank, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9LQ, UK Tel: Fax: