XtremeMac XGC-1e warranty Fuzzy Logic CO2 Control, Supplemental CO2, Auto-Tuning CO2

Fuzzy Logic™ CO2 Control

Overview

Most people who have used the XGC-1e, rate it the best combination controller available today. The fact that the built-in “Fuzzy Logic”™ CO2 control system has redefined what true Part-Per-Million CO2 control is really about, may have something to do with it…

“Supplemental CO2”

Let’s talk about ... Carbon Dioxide. CO2 is present in relatively low quantities, (300-600 PPM) in your normal, generic, everyday air. But plant growth can be increased and accelerated if the level of CO2 is increased to, let’s say... 1000 -1500 PPM. For this reason, the XGC can control CO2 distribution for those people who prefer to use supplemental CO2.

There are some inherent dangers associated with using CO2. Here are some of the rules to remember when using CO2:

A)Cylinders (bottles) of compressed CO2 should never be stored inside the growing area or anywhere else where the temperature may rise above 100º F.

B)The growing area should not be occupied while CO2 is in operation.

C)Do not enter the growing area until the CO2 has been exhausted.

D)CO2 is heavier than air and will accumulate towards the ground.

E)In high enough concentrations CO2 can kill!!! The OSHA maximum “Personal Exposure Level” is 5000 PPM.

*Note: The XGC CO2 control system can be used for both compressed CO2 cylinders, and generators. The CO2 receptacle is 120vac. Compressed CO2 cylinders require an approved regulator / flow gage and a valve.

If optimum CO2 “mileage” is desired, a self-contained air conditioner or other “Closed loop” cooling method is highly recommended. A closed loop system will regulate temperatures within the zone allowing you to extend the CO2 maximum cycle time thus reducing CO2 use dramatically.

Another method of reducing heat build up includes utilizing “Ventilated light hoods”. Just be sure to make the ventilation system of the hood as airtight as possible so that your precious CO2 is not being drawn out of the area by the ventilated hood exhaust fan.

If sufficient CO2 is provided and the proper level of nutrients and light is available, a 35% increase in growth rate is possible. However if you suspect the higher temperatures are adversely affecting the plants, a shorter CO2 cycle may produce better results. Remember that a shorter CO2 cycle duration translates to increased CO2 usage.

Fuzzy Logic™ CO2 Control

Fuzzy Logic is a form of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It is as though a trained operator is there to monitor the level and release more CO2 only when required. It can also “learn” how to maintain the set point when it is first started by pressing a couple of buttons. It then calculates how to best maintain the CO2 level for any size space… automatically!

Auto-Tuning CO2

Every growing area has variables such as area size, fan types, ambient temperature, unique airflow characteristics, CO2 delivery system and flow-rate. Ordinary “part-per-million” controllers do not take most of these variables into consideration thus they are not very good at keeping the CO2 at a constant level. A standard set of “parameters” which define how the Fuzzy Logic’s AI (Artificial Intelligence) is pre-programmed into the XGC-1e. For MOST applications, the standard set will work fine. In fact, most people report the XGC-1e maintains their desired setpoint +/- 15-25 PPM.

If after a few days of operating the XGC-1e you are not satisfied with the performance, you can try to allow the unit to “re-teach” itself the base parameters FOR YOUR SPECIFIC AREA. And that is exactly what the “Auto-Tuning” function does. When the “Auto-Tuning” function is used, the XGC-1e automatically measures your systems performance and calculates the best method to control CO2 within the area. It then uses this information in conjunction with a simple form of Artificial Intelligence called Fuzzy-logic to give you truly exceptional efficiency. Auto-tuning is only required when using compressed CO2 and Fuzzy-logic control mode.

There are ONLY four reasons to perform “Auto-Tuning” and most people will not see any improvement over the factory setpoints.

1)Unsatisfactory performance after operating the unit for a few days.

2)Changing the set point (SV) more than 500 PPM.

3)Major (and some minor) changes in the CO2 delivery system, area configuration, fan changes, ECT.

4)Abnormal or inconsistent results from previous Auto-Tunings.

*Note: NEVER perform an Auto-tune when using a CO2 generator.