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 contentand temperature in the grain drying chamber. Mathematical modeling of deep bed grain drying, consisting of threesets of equations- mass balance equation, drying rate equation and energy balance equation was developed. Avisual basic computer program was developed to simulate the grain drying. Data simulated by the program wascompared with actual experimental data. From the simulated results it was observed that there was a strongcorrelation between moisture content and drying time for both simulated and experimental data (R2=0.929 and0.894 respectively for simulated and actual data). I n addition there was a strong linear correlation betweensimulated and experimental moisture content (R2=0.989). The decrease in moisture content with time wasexponential. Besides, temperature and moisture content were reducing with time while air humidity wasincreasing for both simulated and experimental data. The developed simulation model can be used to predictdrying in the automated grain dryer. With the automation of the drying system, controlling of the dryingenvironment is possible, and this minimizes losses and improves storage of the grains.