CFD Simulation of Airflow Distribution in a Heat Pump-Assisted Deep-Bed Paddy Dryer

Highlights Uneven drying is an inevitable drawback when using heat pump-based deep-bed dryers in commercial industries. Understanding the behavior of important to optimize technology. COMSOL Multiphysics a very helpful tool as it can be used predict behavior. Abstract. Heat pump are widely agricultural products because its capability at comparatively lower temperatures scale. However, (HPD) leads uneven poor airflow distribution chamber. Optimizing proper design dryer system may reduce non-uniformity and increases efficiency. This study aimed investigate deep bed rough rice dried with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The Navier-Stokes equation, transfer Fick’s Law were mathematical models for simulation air velocity, temperature, relative humidity respectively. program v5.4 solved all boundary conditions inlet moisture content. was temperature three different locations during process. Finally, simulated data verified experimental results. values error mean deviation paddy less than ±18.05%, 13.52%. Relative ±15.83% 14.44%, results indicated that model developed could effectively use predicting reasonable accuracy. Keywords: CFD simulation, Multiphysics, drying.