2007 Volume 43 Issue 3 Pages 147-153
The new feed storage bin was equipped with a ventilator to improve interior temperature regulation. The ventilator, made of galvanized iron, had a Savonius style fan on the top of the bin. Temperature and humidity of the upper and middle interior parts of the bins was measured. The ventilated bins were cooler than the non-ventilated bins, with a maximum temperature difference of 6.8℃ in the upper part and 5.7℃ in the lower. The maximum relative humidity at the upper and middle part of the bin was 10.0% and 5.0% lower than non-ventilated bin, respectively. The mean temperature in the non-ventilated and ventilated bin was 27.6℃, 25.9℃ (upper part) and 25.8℃, 24.8℃ (middle part), respectively, measurements which were all significant (P<0.05). Furthermore, both the mean relative and absolute humidity of the ventilated bin was significantly lower than the nonv-entilated bin (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in absolute humidity between external humidity and the top part of the ventilated bin. The installed ventilator, therefore, seems to have lowered humidity. Thus it is suggested that this ventilation system is useful for improvement of the interior bin environment.
