Crop Systems to show improved SmartStor storage controller at British Potato (BP2019)

Crop Systems Limited is adding new features and improved functionality to its SmartStor® controller, which will help users reduce storage costs, while improving their ability to monitor and manage stores remotely via mobile devices.

New features include a heating/drying system, a power control feature that avoids store equipment running at peak energy prices, two independent energy saving programmes and an ethylene control feed system that reduces loss of this sprouting suppressant during purging and ambient cooling.

The new SmartStor® control system also features a new selection and graphing element that enables store operators to select which parameters they need to monitor to manage their stores remotely, as well as a new interface.

It then displays these figures on an easily read graph, so they can track them in real time in a form that can easily be read on any mobile device or computer, says Ray Andrews, Managing Director of Crop Systems Limited.

Ray Andrews, Managing Director of Crop Systems Limited:

“This system enables users to concentrate on the information they really need without being diverted by any other data, but secure in the knowledge that it is all being recorded should it ever be needed.”

All the features are being introduced in response to user feedback, he says.

Ray Andrews:

“The heating system is being introduced in response to requests from customers who need to dry wet crops and cure them quickly before they go into long-term storage.”

“With energy prices varying widely – and the charging periods used by energy companies changing regularly – other customers told us they need to optimize use of lower-cost energy, and particularly to avoid running major equipment operating automatically during ‘peak rate’ periods.”

“The new feature will avoid that by turning all equipment off when those key high-cost energy periods occur, and turn it back on when costs are lower.”

“With ethylene increasingly being used as a sprouting suppressant, another new feature turns supplies off during store purging and ambient cooling, which will reduce wastage.”

“That system also includes a CO₂ accumulator, so operators will have a complete record of their crop’s accumulated CO₂ exposure.”

The new SmartStor® will be demonstrated live on Crop Systems Limited’s stand (No 115) at British Potato (BP2019).