An empirical-mathematical modelling approach to explore the drying kinetics of cereals under variable heat supply using the stitched method

ABSTRACT As reducing the energy consumption, as well as improving the quality of dried grain, is of great importance in the modern world, the present paper aims to develop an empirical-mathematical modelling approach for investigating the drying kinetics of cereals under variable heat supply. This approach is based on a stitching method and substantiates the layer height (or specific load) regulation of a product in different zones of a dryer. The proposed model made it possible to determine temperature distribution in the grain layer and substantiate the permissible range of thermal-humidity conditions for drying cereals in adjustable grain load conditions. A developed software-based algorithm for controlling the drying process of cereal grain under variable heat supply became a basis for designing a grain dryer changing the grain layer height from compartment to compartment. An original grain dryer design enables the adjustment of the specific grain load on the gas distribution grid, facilitating the occurrence of uniform drying and minimal energy consumption.