Home / Kiln theory / General / Heat recovery system. / Saving with heat recovery Metric

Saving with heat recovery Metric

Kiln theory and knowledge

Saving with heat recovery Metric

Actual comparison on energy consumption on kilns in Europe (Denmark).

Company:
Dansk Trae Emballage
Ribe, Denmark.
Drying:
23mm pine boards used for pallet, crating and other packing solutions.
Background:
The company operates five kilns. These kilns have been placed in two groups:
  • Kilns with traditional roof type venting
  • Kilns with heat recovery system.
Both groups have a KW meter on the heat supply provided as accurate heat usage measurements as possible. In addition, most lumber mills dry a great variety of species and thickness, which make comparison difficult. In this case, the company is drying only one specie and one thickness making for an accurate comparison.
Period of this comparison:
January 4th to January 31st, 2001
TABLE 1: Raw numbers collected from Dansk Trae Emballage.
cubic meter KW usage Kw/m3
Traditional kilns:
1380 m3
239120 Kw
173.28 Kw
Heat recovery kilns:
567 m3
65580 Kw
115.66 Kw
Savings in percent:
33.3%

TABLE 2: Estimated savings per 1000 m3 lumber dried per month.

cubic meter Energy usage US$/Kw US$/month
Traditional kilns:
1000 m3
173275 kw
US$: 0.0536
US$: 9287.54
Heat recovery kilns:
1000 m3
115661 kw
US$: 0.0536
US$: 6199.43
Possible savings
US$: 3088.11

Note 1: Based on one liter of gas costing US$: 0.34 and a boiler
with 90% efficient. (No capital cost included).

The savings from our example are based on comparing older traditional type kilns with the newest technology in heat recovery. The savings in this example may not be obtainable in every situation, but we believe that savings between 15% to 40% is possible depending on your specific situation. We have been able to establish a rule of thumb:

  • By upgrading existing kilns and installing a heat recovery systems, you will be able to increase you capacity by about 50% without increasing your heat consumption and boiler capacity.
Conclusion:

Reinventing ourselves and our kiln designs

Serving you, your company and the industry better by reinventing ourselves. Find out about our new kiln designs and why you should buy from us. Sign up for a newsletter or request additional information about our latest innovations.

On-line store

Copyright 2002-2008 Kiln-direct.com All rights reserved