ENERGY SAVING IN GRAIN DRYING TECHNOLOGIES: PROSPECTIVE TECHNICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS

Summary The purpose of the work is to research promising technical and technological solutions for energy saving and the use of alternative energy sources in grain drying technologies. Methods and materials. The obtained results are based on the operational and analytical evaluation of mine-type dryers with hybrid heat supply systems, the technological principle of their operation, grain drying processes and energy saving indicators. Results. Studies of energy saving processes in grain drying technologies have established that today the use of grain dryers with hybrid heat supply systems is relevant, subject to the introduction of advanced technical and technological solutions into their design – cross-flow air and heat recovery systems, built-in heat generator, high-performance production and heating agent consumption systems, etc. In the design of such dryers, it is possible to use all common heat sources: gas, oil, biofuel and hot water radiators, as well as direct and indirect grain heating systems. To obtain heat from biofuel, appropriate technological equipment is required, the function of which is performed by bio-heat generators and complexes based on them. Heat generator complexes of the hybrid type, which burn bio-raw materials and natural gas, to increase the productivity of heat agent formation, additionally have heat exchangers for obtaining hot air in their composition, which can work both autonomously and in tandem with gas burners, which makes it possible to significantly save on energy resources. Conclusions. Technological solutions for the use of mine-type grain dryers with hybrid heat supply systems, which are able to work on solid biofuel, which is a secondary product of agricultural and forestry production, and ensure its burning with specialized technological equipment - bioheat generators, make it possible to partially abandon the traditional energy carrier (natural gas), reduce specific fuel consumption and thus achieve energy savings in the production of heating agent. Key words: grain dryer, heat generator, solid biofuel, combustion and drying processes, heating agent, energy efficiency, grain drying.