Citation

Sharp JR. J. Agric. Eng. Res. 1984; 29(2): 123-131.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1984, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0021-8634(84)90066-0

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A study of the effects of design, control and climate on the performance of low temperature grain driers was conducted using a computer simulation model of the drying of a deep bed of wheat. Energy consumption and the risk of spoilage were calculated by the model for sets of 20 years' weather data to study the following. 1.1. Grain depth and air flow. Shallow grain beds dramatically reduced energy consumption and the risk of spoilage. An increased air flow provides cheap insurance against spoilage.2.2. Fan control strategy. Useful savings in energy may be achieved by switching off the fan when the ambient air is damper than a preset level. However the simplicity and safety of continuous fan operation may often be preferable. The value of the lost potential weight caused by overdrying can far exceed fan energy costs. Fan control is most useful for the final conditioning of the grain.3.3. Climate. Weather data from meteorological stations at Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Waddington (Lincolnshire) and Plymouth was input to the model. For drying a 2·5 m bed from 20% m.c. (w.b.), the minimum air flow for safe drying and corresponding energy consumption were approximately 40% and 60% greater, respectively, for the worst (Plymouth) than the best (Manchester) locations. Relatively dry but very warm weather can present more problems than damp but cool weather.

Language: en