BREATH – R&D partnership for energy-efficient wood-drying technology

Aura Automatica is developing BREATH, a new airflow technology for wood-drying kilns. The concept replaces conventional fan-based circulation with a controlled, reversible and pulsating airflow system designed specifically for moving air through heterogeneous wood stacks.

The expected benefits include:

• lower electrical energy consumption for air circulation;

• improved airflow and drying uniformity;

• reduced variation in final wood moisture;

• shorter or less aggressive drying cycles;

• maintained or improved wood quality;

• retrofit potential for existing drying kilns.

The technology is currently at an early R&D stage. The proposed project would focus on scientific validation, development of laboratory test rigs, calibrated airflow and heat–moisture models, construction of a pilot-scale demonstrator and preparation for industrial validation.

Aura Automatica would be responsible for the airflow-generation mechanism, mechanical design, drives, control systems, electrical engineering, instrumentation, data acquisition, drying-control algorithms, integration and commissioning.

We are looking for research and industrial partners, particularly from Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, with experience in areas such as:

• wood science and wood-drying processes;

• airflow, heat and mass-transfer modelling;

• laboratory and industrial process validation;

• kiln design and manufacturing;

• timber production and operation of industrial drying facilities;

• energy efficiency and industrial process optimisation.

Potential cooperation may include laboratory research, numerical modelling, construction of a pilot kiln, comparative drying tests, industrial validation and future commercialisation.

The core BREATH technology and know-how are protected. More detailed technical information can be shared with interested partners under an NDA.