Simulation of Corn Desiccant Preparation Using Solar Energy

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1984
Authors
Anderson, M.
Bern, Carl
Wilcke, Walter
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Bern, Carl
University Professor Emeritus
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Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

Since 1905, the Department of Agricultural Engineering, now the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE), has been a leader in providing engineering solutions to agricultural problems in the United States and the world. The department’s original mission was to mechanize agriculture. That mission has evolved to encompass a global view of the entire food production system–the wise management of natural resources in the production, processing, storage, handling, and use of food fiber and other biological products.

History
In 1905 Agricultural Engineering was recognized as a subdivision of the Department of Agronomy, and in 1907 it was recognized as a unique department. It was renamed the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in 1990. The department merged with the Department of Industrial Education and Technology in 2004.

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1905–present

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  • Department of Agricultural Engineering (1907–1990)

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Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Abstract

A computer simulation model was developed to model summer preparation of desiccant corn using heat from solar collectors. The desiccant provides a storage medium for solar energy in the form of drying potential and is blended with wet corn at harvest. Grain-mass/collector-area ratios from 0.27 to 8.5 t/m2 (1.0 to 31 bu/ft2) and airflow rates from 0.0019 to 0.093 m3/s-t (0.1 to 5 cfm/bu) were studied. The use of a solar collector during the summer is desirable because solar radiation is available more hours per day, the drying potential is good, and the solar collector use period is increased. The desiccant corn is blended with wet corn in the fall to reduce the average moisture content of the wet corn, therefore reducing the electrical energy to dry and reducing the spoilage risk of the wet corn. Based on the simulation results, an airflow rate of 0.014 m3/s-t (0.75 cfm/bu) along with a grain-mass/collector-area ratio between 3 and 5.5 t/m2 (11 and 20 bu/ft2) is recommended. This airflow rate and the grain-mass/collector-area ratio range will achieve a corn desiccant moisture of 8 to 10% with an acceptable collector size and electrical energy input.

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This article is from Transactions of the ASAE 27 (1984): 186–189, doi:10.13031/2013.32757. Posted with permission.

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Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 UTC 1984
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