Preliminary communication

An energy efficient corn grains drying process

Ante Galić orcid.org/0000-0002-0155-7228 ; Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
Stjepan Pliestić ; Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
Franjo Jović ; Faculty of Electrical Engineering, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Kneza Trpimira 2B, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Krešimir Nenadić ; Faculty of Electrical Engineering, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Kneza Trpimira 2B, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Alan Jović orcid.org/0000-0003-3821-8091 ; Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb, Unska 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

A laboratory laser beam drying method for corn grain kernels is presented and the corresponding energy transfer is analysed. The proposed drying method enables fast and efficient decrease in grain humidity while preserving grain sprouting. Laser beam was directed to the thin grain layer with powers of 10 kW/m2 and 20 kW/m2. Grains were illuminated from one side during a period of 30 s with 100 mW, 655 nm and 200 mW, 660 nm collimated laser beam. The method exhibits at least an order of magnitude higher energy transfer compared to the classical drying method that uses hot air as drying medium. The energy savings increase, compared to classical hot air drying, both in laboratory conditions, was between 23,56 and 58,70 % (100 mW laser) and 10,62 % (200 mW laser), depending on grain wet basis and decreasing with decrease of moisture content.

Keywords

corn grain wet basis; energy efficiency; energy transfer; grain illumination; hot air drying; laser beam drying

Hrčak ID:

131334

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/131334

Publication date:

21.12.2014.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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