Parallel plate heat exchanger for heat energy recovery in a farm grain dryer

One of the methods with the most potential to reduce energy consumption in grain drying is heat recovery from the dryer exhaust air. A parallel plate heat exchanger to recover heat energy from the exhaust air of a recirculating batch grain dryer was examined by theoretical assessments as well as by measurements in a scaled-down research dryer and experimental heat exchanger. In addition to the heat transfer performance, the operability in dusty conditions was investigated. Finally, the optimization of the heat exchanger was introduced by the aid of the calculation models and practical measurement. The heat exchanger performed satisfactorily, providing an average energy saving of approximately 18%. A significant improvement in the performance could be achieved by increasing the air velocity. No severe dust accumulation was observed, and a heat exchanger of this type could provide remarkable energy saving possibilities in grain drying. Further tests are necessary to ensure the operability in long-term use.