Electricity for grain drying

Grain is the most important farm crop in England and Wales. Modern harvesting methods have made drying necessary in most seasons, if the grain is to be kept on the farm for long periods. To this end, 27000 driers are now in use. The grain driers can be electrically powered and heated; the paper outlines the principles of drying, describes the types of drier which have been developed and indicates how electricity can best be applied. Although much of the information given is concerned with the design and operation of equipment, the subject has been approached from the point of view of the electricity-supply engineer. Comparisons of load factor, maximum demand, consumption and revenue returns are given for various types of drier operating under different conditions. Developments in other methods of storing grain may supersede drying in the future, but present indications are that electricity will continue to be needed for ancillary purposes.