XtremeMac XGC-1 - Manual (Page 6)

FUZZY LOGIC  CO
2
CONTROL
OVERVIEW
Most people who have used the XGC-1, rate it the best combination controller available today.
The fact that the built-in “Fuzzy Logic”
 CO
2
control system has redefined what true Part-Per-Million CO
2
control is really about, may have something to do with it…
“SUPPLEMENTAL CO
2
”
Let's talk about ... Carbon Dioxide. CO
2
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 CO
2
is increased to, let’s say... 1000 -1500 PPM.
For this reason, the XGC can control CO
2
distribution for those people who prefer to use supplemental CO
2
.
There are some inherent dangers associated with using CO
2
. Here are some of the rules to remember when using CO
2
:
A) Cylinders (bottles) of compressed CO
2
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 CO
2
is in operation.
C) Do not enter the growing area until the CO
2
has been exhausted.
D) CO
2
is heavier than air and will accumulate towards the ground.
E) In high enough concentrations CO
2
can kill!!! The OSHA maximum “Personal Exposure Level” is 5000 PPM.
*Note: The XGC CO
2
control system can be used for both compressed CO
2
cylinders, and generators. The CO
2
receptacle is
120vac. Compressed CO
2
cylinders require an approved regulator / flow gage and a valve.
If optimum CO
2
“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 CO
2
maximum
cycle time thus reducing CO
2
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 CO
2
is not being drawn out of the area by the ventilated hood
exhaust fan.
If sufficient CO
2
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 CO
2
cycle may produce better
results. Remember that a shorter CO
2
cycle duration translates to increased CO
2
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 CO
2
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 CO
2
level for any size space… automatically!
AUTO-TUNING CO
2
Every growing area has variables such as area size, fan types, ambient temperature, unique airflow characteristics, CO
2
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 CO
2
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-1. For MOST applications, the standard set will work
fine. In fact, most people report the XGC-1 maintains their desired setpoint +/- 15-25 PPM.
If after a few days of operating the XGC-1 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-1 automatically measures your systems performance and calculates the
best method to control CO
2
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 CO
2
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.
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