Aeração automatizada em silos protótipo : comparação entre sistemas

Abstract

Over-drying of stored products is a recurring problem in storage units located in tropical regions during dry season periods. The aim of this work was to build two prototype grain bins with automated aeration control system, one conventional and one with humidified aeration, and compare the operation of the two systems. Two metallic barrels with capacity of 200 liters were used, equipped with air distribution system, configuring the aeration system. The aeration ducts were connected to 2.4 W power fans and a nebulizer to control relative humidity of the aeration air. To monitor the internal conditions, probes with temperature and relative humidity sensors were inserted at three heights of the grain layer. There was also monitoring of the conditions of the external environment, for comparison with the information recorded by the sensors. Based on predefined parameters, a controller made the most appropriate decision regarding the activation of each of the systems. The information collected was later saved to a memory card and online servers (cloud). The results indicated that the humiaerated system worked properly, controlling the temperature and relative humidity in a satisfactory way when compared to the aerated system.