Evaluation and Optimization of a New Commercial Grain Chiller

A prototype grain chiller was designed and built to evaluate its potential for commercialization. Testing resulted in optimization of the final design. Refrigeration was maximized and control over the chilled air conditions improved. Variability of the relative humidity of the outlet air was reduced from a range of 6.5 to 8.8 percentage points to 2.1 to 3.0 points. Outlet temperatures were achieved within 2° of the set point temperature. The success of these tests has resulted in the commercialization of the first U.S.-built grain chiller.