Abstract

A microprocessor based peanut dryer control system to minimize energy consumption was developed and tested over a 3 year period. Hardware and software needs were described. First year tests were conducted to verify hardware performance. Energy control techniques were proposed and compared with conventional peanut dryer control procedures. In simultaneous comparative tests, the first energy control technique implemented reduced liquified petroleum gas (LPG) consumption 49 percent, electric energy 39 percent and increased time on the dryer 65 percent. Modification of the energy control technique reduced the unacceptable increase in time on the dryer to 1020 percent while similar reductions in LPG and electric energy were maintained. The improved control technique produced similar results in tests the following year. No losses in peanut quality during drying were observed and the net saving was $5.61 per tonne or a 25 percent reduction in peanut drying costs for Virginia conditions.

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Keywords: peanut, drying, controls, electronics, microprocessor, software

How to Cite:

Steele, J., (1982) “A Microprocessor Control System for Peanut Drying”, Peanut Science 9(2), p.77-81. doi: https://doi.org/10.3146/

Author Notes

¹Cooperative investigation by the Agricultural Research Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture and the Tidewater Research and Continuing Education Center, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Suffolk, Virginia.

³Mention of firm names or trade products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the Department of Agriculture over other firms or similar products not mentioned.