Abstract:
A one-dimensional heat and mass transfer model was developed for
predicting grain temperature in a deep bed of paddy exposed to intermittent adsorption and
desorption cycles and the numerical solutions of the model were approached by finite
difference method. The inlet temperature and relative humidity of air were used as the model
inputs. The model was validated using a laboratory scale experimental setup. The data were
collected by forced air ventilation with moist air following intermittent adsorption and
desorption cycles of 5 and 10 min in a 0.15 m bed of paddy in a 0.11 m diameter circular
bin. The measured and predicted grain temperatures at different layers were in close
agreement over the test period with an accuracy of ± 0.5 °C. Thus, the mathematical model
developed can be used in predicting the rice grain temperature with similar applications.
