Green House Solar Kiln

Stillwell57 · December 06, 2019, 09:58:40 PM

In the beginning of next year I am going to be putting up a homemade greenhouse (18'x30') over a pre existing concrete slab which I am going to be using as a solar kiln and growing a few plants in the spring. The greenhouse will have electric eventually and I will be putting in a 30'' fan in the wall with automatic shutter on the other wall (set up like a proper greenhouse.

My plan was to stack the wood and use traps to make sure the air flows through the piles of wood.

The thing I am not sure is how should I control the fan? Based of temperature or humidity and what would be some settings to use as targets?
I will be drying mostly northern red oak and am not concerned about dry time but would like to have the highest quality possible.
Thanks in advanced for your help.

GeneWengert-WoodDoc · December 07, 2019, 08:52:25 AM

Humidity for oak is the most critical, but so is air flow and heat. Oak is one of the more difficult species to dry, so read as much as you can to learn how. Drying Hardwood Lumber is the main text.

Stillwell57 · December 07, 2019, 07:58:24 PM

So you would recommend using a humidity controller to turn on the fan?

doc henderson · December 07, 2019, 08:21:49 PM

with solar kilns, there is usually small vents that are opened a bit. on start up if the oak is green, and if a large space, you may not want any venting until the humidity comes up. if there are leaks you may not need any venting. the core is wet, and if the surface dries too much, it will check. I think I recall the initial humidity is like 85%. a forced air fan to vent may be too much. it is good for a green house, where you want the sun, but not too hot.