Optimization of control systems for near-ambient drying of wheat under maritime and continental climates

Abstract

Three important control systems for near-ambient wheat drying were optimized using historical weather data from the maritime climate of Waddington, England and the continental climate of Winnipeg, Canada. Statistical characteristics of output results were compared with statistical characteristics of input weather conditions. Results of the comparison were used to define the basis for developing the best possible control system for drying grain under the continental Canadian Prairie climate. Under the maritime climate the lowest cost of drying wheat was simulated using an optimized control system that varies mainly the amount of heat added to the air in response to the simulated progress of drying and weather conditions. Under the continental climate the optimized control system should vary the airflow rate in response to the drying potential of the air and the difference between the progress of drying and the progress of spoilage. This generalized control system is widely applicable and flexible because it continually readjusts the control set-points.