Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Heat and Mass Transfer During Solar Drying of Corn Cobs in Flexible Bulk Containers
Urmashev B. Mustafayeva A. Daurenova I. Mamonov R. Toibazar D. Khazimov M.
February 2026Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Energies
2026#19Issue 3
This paper presents a simulation of the heat exchange process in a solar dryer designed for corn cobs placed in flexible bulk containers (Big-Bag type). The distinctive feature of this drying system is the use of soft load-bearing containers, which simplify loading, unloading, and transportation, while also reducing mechanical damage to the corn cobs. The bottom of each container is perforated to allow the free flow of heated drying agent into the chamber. The study aims to improve the efficiency of the solar drying process to reduce the moisture content of corn cobs below 15%, thereby ensuring the required quality during storage and transport. To validate the drying regimes and parameters, heat and mass transfer processes were simulated using numerical modeling and experimental design methods based on a laboratory-scale physical model of the drying chamber. Numerical simulations were performed using the Reynolds-averaged equations coupled with the heat conduction equation for three porosity coefficients: 0.35, 0.45, and 0.55. The models provided contours of temperature and humidity distribution within the confined boundaries of the drying chamber and individual corn cobs, positioned both vertically and horizontally within the airflow zone, for varying drying durations. The core novelty of this research is the development of an optimized framework for solar drying corn in flexible containers, which integrates numerical simulation with experimental validation to establish key efficient parameters. Specifically, the study provides the following: (1) a validated regression model linking moisture content to airflow rate, drying time, and layer thickness at 45 °C; and (2) a detailed analysis of thermo-hydraulic contours within both the chamber and individual cobs for different porosities, offering practical insights for system design and operation.
corn cobs , enthalpy , flexible container , numerical simulation , RANS , simulation modelling , solar dryer , solar energy
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Institute of Energy and Green Technologies, Almaty University of Power Engineering and Telecommunications Named After Gumarbek Daukeyev, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan
Faculty of Information Technology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan
School of Applied Mathematics, Kazakh British Technical University, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan
Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan
Rear Support of the Criminal Executive System of Economics Faculty, Academy of Law Management of the Federal Penal Service of Russia, 390000, Russian Federation
Institute of Energy and Green Technologies
Faculty of Information Technology
School of Applied Mathematics
Faculty of Engineering and Technology
Rear Support of the Criminal Executive System of Economics Faculty
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