Design and structure optimization of a new type drying material room based on the analysis of velocity uniformity and temperature distributions using CFD

The hot-air drying material room are widely used in all industries, especially in the farming industry. While, the airflow field maldistribution and uneven temperature distributions are two major issues needed to be addressed. Therefore, a new type drying material room based on the analysis of velocity uniformity and temperature distributions is conducted. In original structure of the drying material room, problem of poor airflow velocity uniformity in the upper and lower spaces of the drying material room in the Y direction is existed. For improving the airflow uniformity and solving the above problem, the influence of air guide cover at airflow inlet and spoiler fan on airflow velocity distribution and temperature distributions are analyzed. After comparative analysis, the final optimized drying material room design is the combination design of air guide cover diffusion angle 25 degrees, air guide cover length 150 mm, spoiler fan with installation height 1415 mm and fan operation pressure 100 Pa. After optimization, the fluctuation of airflow velocity in the air inlet area is reduced, the airflow velocity uniformity and drying material temperature field uniformity are improved, the average airflow velocity of the upper and rear spaces in drying material room has significantly increased. The new designed drying material room can ensure the drying material are evenly dried and obtain the final product with good drying quality. Research results can give a theoretical reference for the designers to design and optimize the large-scale integrated hot-air drying material room.