Project
Title
Coupled Discrete Element Method-Computational Fluid Dynamics modelling of mixed-flow grain dryer
Acronym
CEM4Dryer
Start
01.01.2013
End
31.12.2014
Coordinating Institute
Leibniz-Institut für Agrartechnik und Bioökonomie e.V. (ATB)
Coordinator
Contact
Summary
In order to minimize the non-uniformity of grain drying that is commonly observed in mixed-flow grain dryers, optimizing the design and operation of the dryer is very important. The aim of this research is to develop a validated combined discrete element method (DEM)-computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of mixed-flow grain dryer that can predict drying air velocity, drying air and grain temperatures, humidity, grain residence time and grain moisture con-tent. The model will take into account drying air to grain, grain to grain and grain to dryer wall interactions and detail properties of the grain. For the moisture transfer from the grain to the drying air, a kinetic model will be developed and implemented via user defined function. The parameters of the kinetic model will be determined from thin-layer drying experiments. The model will be validated using measured values of air velocity, temperature, relative humidity, grain residence time and grain moisture content. The measurements will be conducted using a pilot scale mixed-flow dryer. The model will be applied to analyse the effect of different design and operating parameters on the homogeneity and efficiency of mixed-flow dryer.
Funding
Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung
Funding framework
Humboldt Fellowship for Postdoctoral Researchers