Three-dimensional simulation and performance evaluation of air distribution in horizontal storage bins

•Relation between grain layer depth and inlet pressure profile was proposed.•Experimental data on pressure distribution in real large horizontal storage bin.•Optimal air distribution problem in horizontal storage bins was solved.•Criterion to estimate effectiveness of air distribution in storage bins was proposed.

A mathematical model and software were developed to simulate the air distribution in large horizontal grain storage bins fitted with aeration systems. Experimental data on the pressure distribution in a real large horizontal storage bin were obtained. Comparison between experimental and simulated data showed satisfactory agreement. Using the criteria proposed by the authors to estimate the effectiveness of the air distribution in storage bins, a performance evaluation of the considered system was carried out. The analysis of optimal air distribution in horizontal storage bin was carried out. It was shown that at a constant value of the global specific airflow rate, the increase in the area of air inlet section with corresponding pressure reduction is preferable to the increase in pressure under a smaller area. The optimum inlet pressure distribution for obtaining the optimum air distribution in large horizontal storage bins was proposed.