Abstract: In this paper, a simulation method based on material-drying oven integration was developed for the hot air-drying process of Lentinus edodes. First of all, the drying characteristics were investigated under different drying conditions, and drying kinetic models were obtained at different air temperatures, relative humidities (RHs) and air flow rates. Then, drying kinetic derivative models to predict the drying process under different working conditions were obtained and used to calculate water evaporation rate, and the rate of water evaporation was introduced into the heat and mass transfer equations to develop mathematical models based on material-drying oven integration. Using the models, the pattern of temporal changes in air temperature, RH and air flow rate at any position inside the oven and moisture ratio (MR) was obtained. Finally, the drying characteristics were worked out using the integrated models. Overall, significant non-uniformity occurred during the drying process. As drying proceeded, non-uniformity decreased. In the direction of air flow, non-uniformity was more significant at positions closer to the oven’s top and bottom. In the transverse direction, non-uniformity was more significant at positions closer to the middle. In summary, the simulation method for hot air-drying of Lentinus edodes is meaningful for guiding the structural design of the drying chamber, the optimization of the drying process and the improvement of the product quality.

Key words: Lentinus edodes; hot air drying; derivative model; integrative simulation method