Computerized Control of Grain Drying Operations. Final Technical Report

摘要

The purpose of this project was to investigate the use of computer tools to reduce the energy requirements of grain drying operations on the farm. While limited to a specific area, the drying of feed corn, this investigation has broader applications in crop and livestock management. The objective was to develop and test a computer-based tool to operate a corn drying bin. Using temperature and humidity sensors, the computer would determine the drying quality of ambient air and add only as much heat as necessary to achieve the minimum necessary drying ability. Feed corn was chosen for the experiment because it is the most thoroughly understood in terms of drying requirements and because of the increasing corn production in the Northwest. 5 references. (ERA citation 10:011669)