Modelling of coupled heat and moisture transfer in grain kernels by modified Luikov's equations

The existing heat and mass transfer models are based on the Luikov's equations. In these equations the mass diffusion process is driven by the moisture gradients. This approximation can lead to inaccurate predictions of the dehydrations processes if the body is non-isotropic. In the proposed model the Luikov's equations have been rewritten using the capillary potential gradients. Furthermore, the advised calculation method makes it possible to determine the equilibrium moisture contents in the biological material where measurements are practically impossible. The suggested heat and mass transfer model gives more accurate and more sophisticated results from physical point of view then the existing ones. Copyright (C) 2001 IFAC.