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Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research (JSIR) >
JSIR Vol.71 [2012] >
JSIR Vol.71(05) [May 2012] >
| Title: | Modeling and optimization of a natural convection-based agricultural dryer |
| Authors: | Kumar, Rajesh
Ravikrishna, R V |
| Keywords: | Agricultural Dryer
Computational fluid dynamic (CFD)
Natural Convection |
| Issue Date: | May-2012 |
| Publisher: | NISCAIR-CSIR, India |
| Abstract: | This study presents development of a computational
fluid dynamic (CFD) model to predict unsteady, two-dimensional temperature, moisture
and velocity distributions inside a novel, biomass-fired, natural
convection-type agricultural dryer. Results show that in initial stages of
drying, when material surface is wet and moisture is easily available, moisture
removal rate from surface depends upon the condition of drying air.
Subsequently, material surface becomes dry and moisture removal rate is driven
by diffusion of moisture from inside to the material surface. An optimum 9-tray
configuration is found to be more efficient than for the same mass of material
and volume of dryer. A new configuration of dryer, mainly to explore its
potential to increasing uniformity in drying across all trays, is also
analyzed. This configuration involves diverting a portion of hot air before it
enters over the first tray and is supplied directly at an intermediate location
in the dryer. Uniformity in drying across trays has
increased for the kind of material simulated. |
| Page(s): | 316-323 |
| CC License: |  CC Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India |
| ISSN: | 0975-1084 (Online); 0022-4456 (Print) |
| Source: | JSIR Vol.71(05) [May 2012]
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