Abstract

During the past few years the cost of conventional sources of energy has dramatically increased and future supplies are uncertain. Available energy sources must be used in the most efficient manner. However, with any changes in recommended peanut drying procedures, product quality must be maintained. An analysis of various factors affecting energy consumption and drying time of peanuts was performed, using a computer simulation model. The analysis included consideration of ambient conditions, dryer controls, and initial peanut moisture. The analysis indicated that the airflow rate used in many commercially available farm dryers is necessary to adequately dry high moisture peanuts, but that a lower airflow rate would be adequate for low-moisture peanuts. A lower airflow rate would reduce energy consumption. Increasing the temperature rise of the drying air would speed drying but would also lower milling quality. Energy consumption was lowest early in the drying season when ambient drying potential was high.

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Keywords: peanuts, drying, energy, Simulation

How to Cite:

Troeger, J., (1982) “Peanut Drying Energy Consumption A Simulation Analysis”, Peanut Science 9(1), p.40-44. doi: https://doi.org/10.3146/i0095-3679-9-1-12