Mathematical simulation of a horizontal ventilation facility for curing and storage of sweetpotatoes.
Stewart, H. E.; Farkas, B. E.; Boyette, M. D.; Blankenship, S. M.;
ASAE/CSAE-SCGR Annual International Meeting, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 18-21 July, 1999. Year: 1999 Pages: 16 pp. Ref: 13 ref.
1999
บทคัดย่อ
A FORTRAN program was developed to simulate the temperature and humidity conditions and control actions within a horizontal ventilation facility for the curing and storing of sweet potatoes. Simulation input parameters consisted of building specifications, climate data, quantity of sweet potatoes, curing time and temperature, and storage temperature. Energy sources considered in the simulation included heat transfer between the building and surroundings, sweet potato heat of respiration, and energy inputs due to mechanical devices and gas heaters. Properties of the air during curing and storage were determined using psychrometric subroutines. Operation of heaters, humidifiers, fans, and vents was done according to a series of commands, which were based on required frequency of operation and psychrometric conditions. Simulation output included room conditions, sweet potato temperature, control status, and energy consumption of the facility over time. The data generated from the model was successf
ully compared to data collected on current facilities in eastern North Carolina over several seasons. The simulation provides useful insight into the energy requirements of existing and future postharvest storage facilities and allows for design modifications to be evaluated for effectiveness prior to new construction or implementing changes to existing buildings.