NOMINATION 03: NTIM – kiln powered by solar and electric energy

Company "NTIM Technology" has produced the kiln powered by solar and electric energy - SOLARIS 1. This kiln enables use of renewable energy source and up to 20 times smaller consumption of conventional energy for work in night conditions. The results of the use of the kiln are high-quality products of drying of medicinal, spice and aromatic herbs, mushrooms, fruit and vegetables, as well as the products of steam distillation because the kiln is equipped with the system for reception of fumes and their condensing.

Since the volume of the kiln is 2.8 cubic meters, "NTIM Technology" has also developed the system for connecting of kilns by wire, via Internet or mobile network, so that they can be piled up as lego cubes and the required cubic capacity can be created. Once connected, any number of kilns can be used.

INNOVATION

In association with the Agricultural Faculty in Belgrade, company “NTIM Technology“ has produced the kiln powered by solar and electric energy - SOLARIS 1. This kiln enables use of renewable energy source and up to 20 times smaller consumption of conventional energy for work in night conditions. The results of the use of the kiln are high-quality products of drying of medicinal, spice and aromatic herbs, mushrooms, fruit and vegetables, as well as the products of steam distillation because the kiln is equipped with the system for reception of fumes and their condensing.

The matters that evaporate during the drying process condense and change to liquid while passing through condenser. The condenser separates humidity from air, and dry air is returned to the kiln. Further processing of condensed liquid results in natural products such as aromats and essential oils. Drying is determined by the given value of required humidity at the end of the drying process. In that way, one matter can give different products that represent either final products or raw materials for other industry. Final products can also be ground.

This product includes the innovations encompassed by 9 patented applications.

When using solar energy, this kiln consumes 150 Wh, whereas the consumption amounts to average of 1 kWh when electric energy is used, which means that this kiln consumes over 80% less energy than other drying systems. The work with the kiln is maximally simplified because all processes are run by a microcontrollor with 50 drying modes. The user only needs to put the matter in the kiln, set the maximal temperature of drying and the amount of humidity that stays in the matter after drying, and when "end of the process" note appears on the screen of the microprocessor, the dried matter can be taken out from the kiln.

Since the volume of the kiln is 2.8 cubic meters, "NTIM Technology" has also developed the system for connecting of kilns by wire, via Internet or mobile network, so that they can be piled up as lego cubes and the required cubic capacity can be created. Once connected, any number of kilns can be used. The microprocessor that is connected to PC provides the drying diagram, which is important for both manufacturer and users.

While working on this project, “NTIM Technology“ established exceptional cooperation with German companies “JUMO“, “VISSMANN“, “WILO“ and many others.

PUBLIC USEFULNESS

The kiln will make it possible for large number of laid-off workers to get organized and provide the living for their families. The use of these kilns reduces drying costs 5 to 70 times. Besides, in the whole chain of production, one kiln employs minimum 5 people: manufacturers, driers, purchasers, distillers, transporters.....

This is the first kiln that does not release steam and fumes into air, but condenses them and, in that way, saves environment.

According to the estimates, minimum 500 kilns will be sold every year in the markets of southeast Europe during the next decade.

This kiln enables use of renewable energy source and up to 20 times smaller consumption of conventional energy for work in night conditions.

Production commenced at the end of year 2008, and three kilns were sold on the territory of Serbia and put in operation at the beginning of February 2009.

COMMERCIAL SUCCESS

The first results of drying represented positive surprise since they were better than expected. The products were of premium and first class, the drying time was shortened by minimum 10%, while the price of dried product was much more favorable for the manufacturer.

The project is still at its beginning, but the negotiations about signing of the representation contracts for sale of kilns in other markets, as well as about allotment of licenses for production of kilns in remote markets for their own needs (USA, South America...), are already underway.

Three kilns were sold in 2008 at the nominal price of 36,000 EUR.

OTHER INTERESTING INFORMATION ON THE PROJECT

Work on the project started in 2006. The company was founded after presentation of results in 2007.

FUNDS SPENT SINCE 2006:

1.Development in 2006.............................40,000 EUR

2.Development in 2007.............................40,000 EUR

3.Development and production in 2008......50,000 EUR

The market demand for these kilns is growing and “NTIM Technology“ has already received queries from all parts of the world.

The kiln is protected by a patent, and PCT application for global protection of the kiln has been submitted.