Application and Comparison of Two Mathematical Models for Simulating Grain Heat and Mass Transfer During In-Bin Drying

In-bin drying provides an alternative to traditional drying in terms of achieving good grain quality and saving fossil fuel. Some mathematical models were developed which could be used to simulate the in-bin drying process. To test the models’ ability for application, a partial differential equation model (PDE model) and a logarithmic model (Log model) were applied to simulate the heat and mass transfer during in-bin drying and compared in two aspects: accuracy and easy of use. Both models were calculated in Matlab on the PC. Model validation experiment was carried out. The average standard errors of PDE and Log model simulation results compared with the experimental one were 1.2% d.b., and 0.9% d.b. for grain moisture content, and 0.7°C and 0.6 °C for grain temperature. The results show that both models could be used to predict grain temperature and moisture changes during in-bin drying with good accuracy. It could also be concluded that the Log model was easier to use.