Research on an electric energy‐saving grain drying system with internal circulation of the drying medium

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, we designed a 5HLN‐R‐50 electric grain dryer with internal circulation of the drying medium based on the analysis of drying medium enthalpy and humidity status variation diagrams. We aimed to reduce the dryer energy consumption and exhaust gas emission. Using clean electric energy instead of a conventional dryer heat source, the drying system can cyclically dry high‐moisture grain with zero emissions. The experimental results indicate that the condensation effect is suitable when the ratio of the cool and hot air flows is 6:1 at a heat transfer coefficient of the condenser of 79.5 W/(m2.K) and a specific heat consumption of 3,916 kJ/kgH2O when compared with the Chinese standard of 7,500 kJ/kgH2O, that is, a maximum energy savings of 48%. This paper proposes a novel technological method and idea, studies the differences in energy efficiency, emissions reduction and clean production, and provides a reference for replacing the conventional grain dryer heat source of coal with electricity.Practical applicationsThis drying system is applied in circular grain drying; a corn drying experiment indicates that compared with the specific energy consumption stipulated by the national standards of China, the highest energy savings is 48%, and zero release nonpollution is shown. The state parameters of the dried material and drying medium are displayed graphically in real time, and the operating parameters of the drying process are intuitively tracked in real time and automatically adjusted.