b"I think producers are going to be able to take from the study when they see results is to look at their own operations, and then make informed decisions in terms of how theyre currently doing the grain drying process.Lorne Griegeron efficiencies for in-bin supplementalexplains in a phone interview. We gethis grain dryer with the study. The study heating systems. A total of 36 in-binquite large temperature changes fromresults showed the efficiency of his system systems and five continuous grain dryersdaytime to nighttime, where we do getdried grain quite fast. However, there were monitored. Energy consumptioncooler nights than a lot of other areaswere some disadvantages as it doesnt give per tonne of moisture removedand Prairies. a uniform dry throughout the bin.(specific energy) was the chosen energyAs part of the study, Lenz collectedThe system were using is certainly not performance metric. data, writing down various information,the same as a conventional grain dryer One of the things we saw quiteincluding the amount of fuel used, thewhere they can dry every bushel of grain interesting initially was higher efficiencytemperature of the air going into the bin,to a certain level of moisture. But if you going between the two different stylesthe moisture of the grain going in anddon't have a grain dryer, this is a good of systems. Then, the third year nowthe moisture of the grain after. alternative, Lenz says.allows us to really get into what does thisLenz says he does plan to take a closer mean when you have a greater numberResults and Future Plans look at the cost of his current flameless of sample points to say, with a greaterWith two years of the study now done,grain dryer to a conventional gas burning certainty as to what proficiency can bethere are some things that have beenunit moving forward. If the finances line and the differences as well, Grieger says. discovered. In the first year of the study,up, he may consider making the switch. Jason Lenz is one of the farmers whothere were a wide range of efficienciesGrieger expects the study wont just took part in the study. The director withfound for in-bin supplemental heatingbe able to help farmers in Alberta, but the Alberta Wheat Commission runssystems noted. The most efficientfarmers across the Prairie provinces as Lenz Farms Ltd., a 2,000-acre grainsystems had an efficiency three to fourthere is a lack of data on grain drying in and oilseed farm, with a 25-cow calftimes higher than the others.each province. operation, near Bentley, Alta. He hasIt was discovered indirect-firedI think producers are going to be able been using a diesel-powered flamelessin-bin supplemental heating systemsto take from the study when they see heater grain dryer on his farm for thehad higher efficiencies than expected.results is to look at their own operations, past five years. In-bin supplemental heating systemsand then make informed decisions in Grain drying really is quite commonalso ran higher supply temperaturesterms of how they're currently doing the in our area we are one of the shortestthan suggested. Some heated air-dryinggrain drying process, Grieger says.growing seasons across the Prairies here.systems were also found to have higherThe final report on the study will be Mainly because we are located so closelyefficiencies than specified. released in the spring of 2022.to the Rocky Mountains here, LenzLenz was impressed by the results fromAshley RobinsonHOLMSTROMBARLEY: WINTER WHEAT:CDC COPELAND AAC WILDFIRECDC FRASERWHEAT:SEED FARM ESMA AAC PENHOLDCDC CHURCHILL PARATACDC HAYMAKER OATS AC FOREMOSTSINCE 1984 AAC REDSTARPEAS: ELLERSLIESelect Growers CDC MEADOWPEDIGREED SEED Darrell Holmstrom & Seed Processors CDC LEWOCHKO WPB WHISTLERWheatland Wheat Forest Peas Skrush Wheat Churchill Barley Ph: 780-385-5330 Tom & Carol Hadway & FamilyCattlelac Barley Tofield Barley Box 539Goodwin Wheat P.O. Box 544, Didsbury, AlbertaT0M 0W0Greenwater PeasKillam, ABT0B 2L0 Telephone: 403-335-4929 | 403-994-4929Email: [email protected]"