Computer simulation of temperature changes in a wheat storage bin.

A mathematical model describing the transient temperature distribution of grain in a cylindrical storage bin with mixed boundaries is presented and solved using the finite element method. Using the typical meteorological data of a region such as temperate China, temperature changes of wheat in a storage bin are simulated and analysed in detail. Simulated results indicate that high temperature accumulation areas of the grain are in the bin centre and near the bin bottom or at the top surface of the grain throughout the whole year and ventilation under appropriate weather conditions is necessary. This method can be used to develop and evaluate aeration control strategy and reduce the need for chemical treatments of grain during storage.