A Modelica Library for Thin-Layer Drying of Agricultural Products

Abstract

Grain drying is highly influenced by environmental and technical factors. Thus, it is essential to track the psychrometric properties of the drying air, besides other grain characteristics, for successful control of this operation. Mathematical modeling of a drying process can be complicated and non-trivial when considering all the involved factors. Based on theoretical differential equations, this study calculates different aspects of grains during their drying process. Modelica and Dymola were used to model blocks of thin-layers of corn, barley, and soybean. The modeled blocks could be used to reproduce a simulation of a grain drying process and keep track of the products moisture content and temperature, besides other psychrometric properties of the air. The developed model has the potential to be used to either to compare to a real grain drying process or as a teaching instrument for grain handling.