Grain Moisture Control Silo with Predictive Air Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current grain drying facilities are not suited for different climatic zones, lack easy cleaning and access, and prioritize faster drying over grain quality, leading to inefficient and economically unprofitable processes, especially when using high temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A novel grain moisture control system using an open-loop predictive control method with a flat base silo design, elevated floor with air passages, and sensors for ambient and internal temperature and humidity monitoring, allowing for gentle and uniform drying with low energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high temperature drying is used to increase drying speed, then productivity is improved, but grain quality deteriorates and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts drying parameters (temperature, humidity, air flow rate) based on real-time grain moisture sensing. Instead of using constant high temperature, the system modifies parameters to match the current drying state, enabling effective drying while preserving grain quality and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop control system with moisture sensors that continuously monitor grain moisture content and feed this information back to the control unit. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust drying parameters, preventing over-drying and quality damage while maintaining efficient drying speed.
2Loss of time
If high temperature drying is used to reduce drying time, then loss of time is reduced, but use of energy increases and grain quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture sensing system provides continuous feedback on drying progress, allowing the system to optimize energy usage by adjusting air temperature and flow rate based on actual moisture content. This prevents wasteful energy consumption while maintaining efficient drying timelines.
Solution Approach 2:
The drying system transitions from static high-temperature operation to dynamic parameter adjustment. The control unit continuously modifies operating conditions based on real-time moisture data, enabling energy-efficient drying that adapts to changing grain moisture levels throughout the drying process.
3Productivity
If conventional drying facilities are used, then drying capacity is achieved, but adaptability to different climatic zones is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow it to adapt to different environmental conditions. The control unit modifies drying parameters based on ambient temperature and humidity, enabling the same facility to operate effectively across various climatic zones while maintaining drying capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter modification based on climatic conditions. The system adjusts air temperature, relative humidity, and flow rate according to ambient environmental data, making the drying facility adaptable to different geographical locations and weather conditions without sacrificing productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively controls grain moisture with minimal direct measurement, achieving uniform drying and preserving grain quality by predicting moisture changes based on ambient conditions, reducing energy use and grain damage.
Implementation Method 1
air flow draws moisture from the evaporation of water contained in the stored grains
Implementation Method 2
an air heating means connected prior to the air flow into said air chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A facility for controlling moisture in grains provided with a grain storage silo conveniently installed on a hard flat floor and inside of which a raised floor drilled with air passageways is provided, determining an air chamber inside the silo and below the perforated floor, into which previously conditioned air is blown by an air heater, wherein the control of hot air blowing times is determined based on modeling and calculating carried out by a programmable controller operatively connected to an ambient air temperature sensor located outside the silo, an ambient relative humidity sensor located outside the silo and a temperature air sensor located into the air chamber inside the silo, thereby causing the application of different stages of drying, rewetting and maintenance of the first bottom layer of grain, ranging between an upper and lower moisture limits narrowing around the desired moisture while the drying progress, leading to an homogeneous final moisture content of all the grain bulk.