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AGI BinManager® Explained
From Grain Sensors to Automatic Conditioning
BinManager isn't just a thermometer in a grain bin. It combines information from inside the grain with outside and plenum-air conditions so the system can monitor stored grain and, when configured for automation, control connected fans and heaters.
The Short Answer
AGI BinManager® measures temperature and moisture within stored grain, checks environmental conditions, and uses that information to work toward the temperature and moisture targets set for the bin. The system can provide remote visibility and alerts through AGI SureTrack®, while a fully equipped BinManager system can automatically operate connected fans and heaters when conditions are appropriate.
How BinManager Works in 5 Steps
The easiest way to understand BinManager is to follow the information from the grain itself to the equipment connected to the bin.
1
Measure the Grain
Sensor cables positioned through the grain mass collect temperature and moisture information from multiple locations inside the bin.
2
Check Outside Air
A weather station measures outside temperature and relative humidity so the system knows what kind of air is available for conditioning.
3
Measure Plenum Air
The Air Properties Sensor measures conditions in the plenum, including temperature, humidity and air pressure.
4
Evaluate Conditions
BinManager compares information from the grain and air against the operating targets and mode selected for the bin.
5
Monitor or Act
The system reports information through SureTrack and, on automation-equipped systems, can operate connected fans and heaters as conditions call for them.
The Important Part: It's a Closed Loop.
Traditional fan management can rely heavily on outside conditions and operator decisions. BinManager can also look at what is actually happening in the grain. New readings feed back into the system so it can continue evaluating progress toward the targets established for that bin.
Grain Data
→
Air Conditions
→
System Decision
→
Fans / Heaters
→
New Grain Readings
What Hardware Makes BinManager Work?
A complete BinManager installation brings several pieces of hardware together. The exact configuration depends on the bin and system, but these are the core jobs taking place.
Sensor Cables
Sensors distributed through the grain mass provide in-grain temperature and moisture information. Cable and sensor configuration can vary based on the installation.
Weather Station
Measures outside temperature and relative humidity, giving BinManager information about the air available outside the bin.
Air Properties Sensor
The APS measures plenum temperature, relative humidity and static pressure. That gives the system another view of what is happening as air moves into the bin.
Communications
The communications portion of the system gathers information and makes bin data available through the AGI SureTrack platform for remote visibility.
Control Box
On automation-equipped BinManager systems, the control hardware operates connected fans and heaters using information from the rest of the system.
AGI SureTrack
SureTrack provides the user-facing view of the system, allowing bin information, alerts and system status to be accessed remotely from connected devices.
What Does BinManager Actually Automate?
On a properly equipped automation system, BinManager can determine when connected fans and heaters should operate based on the selected operating mode, grain conditions, outside-air conditions and plenum information.
For example, AGI's Auto Dry & Cool mode is designed to work toward a desired grain-moisture target and then a desired temperature target. Other operating modes serve different purposes. The correct configuration depends on the grain, equipment and storage goal.
BinManager and monitoring-only systems are not the same thing.
Remote readings do not automatically mean a system has physical control of the fans. Fan and heater automation requires the appropriate BinManager control hardware and wiring. A monitoring configuration can still provide useful grain and environmental information without automatically switching equipment.
Why Does Looking at the Grain Itself Matter?
See Changes Inside the Bin
Multiple sensing points give you more information about conditions throughout the stored grain than a single outside-weather measurement can provide.
Catch Developing Problems
BinManager monitors grain temperatures and can provide alerts when the system identifies conditions that need attention, including developing temperature concerns.
Use Air More Intentionally
Outside and plenum measurements give the system information about the air available for grain conditioning instead of treating every hour of fan operation the same.
Check the Bin Remotely
SureTrack gives users access to grain-bin information without requiring routine manual checks inside the bin.
Common BinManager Questions
Does BinManager automatically turn grain-bin fans on and off?
A full BinManager system equipped and wired for automation can control connected fans and heaters according to the selected operating mode and system conditions. Monitoring-only configurations do not provide the same automatic equipment control.
What does BinManager measure inside the grain?
Sensor cables provide temperature and moisture information from multiple locations throughout the grain mass. The exact cable and sensor layout depends on the system configuration.
Why does BinManager need a weather station?
Outside temperature and relative-humidity information helps the system evaluate the air available for conditioning. BinManager combines that information with in-bin and plenum measurements.
Can I see BinManager information remotely?
Yes. AGI SureTrack provides remote access to system and grain-bin information from supported connected devices. Alerts can also notify users when configured conditions require attention.
Does BinManager still work if cellular service is interrupted?
The automation logic runs locally at the bin. A connectivity interruption can affect the fresh information you see remotely, but the local system does not rely on a continuous cellular connection simply to perform its configured control functions.
Wondering What BinManager Would Look Like on Your Farm?
Tell A&S about your bins, fans and what you're trying to accomplish. Our team can help you understand what type of monitoring and control setup makes sense to discuss.
Talk to A&S About BinManager →Keep Learning About AGI BinManager®