Thermal Distribution Analysis of a Corn Dryer Using CFD Simulation

Abstract

This study presents a computational analysis of a corn drying system using SolidWorks simulation tools. The main objective is to understand the thermal and flow behavior within a silo-type corn dryer powered by a wood-fueled horizontal furnace. The simulation covers thermal distribution, air velocity, and flow trajectories using finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The model includes a vertical silo with embedded piping systems and air inlets driven by blower-induced convection. The heat source, simulated at 500°C from the furnace, is transferred through ducts into the drying chamber. The results indicate that air temperature reaches up to 100°C within the chamber with a velocity of up to 5 m/s. Temperature and velocity distributions show a good potential for uniform drying, although lower regions exhibit heat accumulation. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the system design in enhancing drying efficiency.