Ken Kelln
Saskatchewan's Renewable Energy Pioneer
Ken Kelln, founder of Kelln Consulting Ltd, is a pioneer of renewable energy and energy conservation in Saskatchewan. His work in solar energy goes back to 1969, when he graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Science degree (Honours - Electrical Engineering), with his thesis on "Photovoltaic-Solar Energy Converters".
Kelln began his professional career at SaskTel (1969-1981), where he was chairman of the Energy Conservation Committee from 1978-1981. He was later employed by Sask Power (1981-1984) as manager of the Commercial Conservation Programs. Ken became a licensed Mechanical Electrical Consulting Engineer in 1984 and established Kelln Consulting Ltd. to pursue his life-long interest in solar energy, its practical applications and environmental benefits, especially in housing. He was chairman of the Solar Energy Society, Regina Chapter 1979-81.
Kelln Consulting Ltd. has been involved in a number of conservation initiatives and has developed many innovative solar products. In addition to providing solar and wind power systems for countless private residences and farms, the company has developed a variety of solar water pumping systems, primarily focusing on the livestock industry, with more than 8,000 units sold in Canada and internationally. These systems were designed to address the problem of water contamination by livestock, to improve water quality for livestock and to conserve wildlife habitat.
A unique development, the Motion-Controlled Winter Watering System, which requires no artificial heating, is now widely used in pastures. As a consequence, it saves a significant amount of fossil-fuelled energy and additionally, allows farmers to winter water livestock safely in remote areas without grid power and away from surface water bodies, eliminating drowning.
Kelln Consulting's headquarters in Lumsden, built in 1986, exemplifies the company's commitment to energy efficiency, using passive solar energy, high insulation levels, a T8 lighting system, and a state-of the-art Viessmann boiler system that results in more than 50% energy savings.
In 1989, the company designed the first solar-powered commercial building for the Canadian Wildlife Services, at St. Denis, Saskatchewan. The company has also partnered with Ducks Unlimited on several conservation initiatives to preserve wetlands in the three Prairie Provinces.
More than 200 energy audits were conducted by Kelln Consulting for the Saskatchewan Environmental Society's Destination Conservation Program, resulting in cost and energy savings, including annual savings approaching $200,000 for the Saskatoon West School Division. The company also provided Commercial Energy Audits for SaskPower's commercial customers (1995-1996).
Under the direction of the University of Regina's Faculty of Engineering, Ken traveled to Kumasi, Ghana to provide Solar Energy Seminars at the University of Science and Technology and to teach practical applications of solar energy. Battery charging stations were designed in five villages and technicians trained to operate them. In following years, Ghanaian engineering students came to work at Kelln Consulting Ltd., giving them practical experience to balance their education.
Two of the company's major projects include the design of the 4kW solar system powering the Narrows campground in Prince Albert National Park, the first of its kind for a Canadian National Park. The company also designed and installed a three-phase grid-tied wind/solar system at the Fort Battleford Historic Site Interpretation Centre, with 9kW roof-mounted solar electric system and a 66kW wind generator on an 80ft tower. When fully completed, this building will be the first "net zero" building in the parks system and in Canada.
In its ongoing desire to conserve wildlife habitat and water quality, Kelln Consulting has developed solar-powered water aeration systems for the improved oxygenation of dugouts and ponds. It has also developed solar heating systems for swimming pools.
Kelln Consulting Ltd. continues to use innovation to pursue the goal of making the world a more energy-conscious and conserving place.
Based on the citation for the 2006 Environmental Excellence Award from the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan.
The 4kW solar system powering the Narrows campground in Prince Albert National Park is the first of its kind for a Canadian National Park.
Kelln Solar is Canada's largest manufacturer of Solar Water Pumping Systems for watering cattle, including winter watering systems.