SIMULATION MODEL FOR PREDICT DRYING IN THE AUTOMATED GRAIN DRYER

Abstract

The research was carried out with the objective of developing a simulation model for controlling moisture content and temperature in the grain drying chamber. Mathematical modeling of deep bed grain drying, consisting of three sets of equations- mass balance equation, drying rate equation and energy balance equation was developed. A visual basic computer program was developed to simulate the grain drying. Data simulated by the program was compared with actual experimental data. From the simulated results it was observed that there was a strong correlation between moisture content and drying time for both simulated and experimental data (R2=0.929 and 0.894 respectively for simulated and actual data). I n addition there was a strong linear correlation between simulated and experimental moisture content (R2=0.989). The decrease in moisture content with time was exponential. Besides, temperature and moisture content were reducing with time while air humidity was increasing for both simulated and experimental data. The developed simulation model can be used to predict drying in the automated grain dryer. With the automation of the drying system, controlling of the drying environment is possible, and this minimizes losses and improves storage of the grains.