Optimization in the Operation of Cabinet-Type Solar Dryer for Industrial Applications

One of the major constraints in the acceptability of solar dryer in industrial applications is the lack of control on the drying temperature. This paper proposes a mathematical model of a cabinet-type solar dryer that exhibits a control on the drying temperature using auxiliaries. The proposed model takes set temperature and solar radiation intensity as input and estimates auxiliary energies required to maintain the desired temperature. The analysis minimizes the energy consumption of auxiliaries while maintaining a constant dryer space temperature. Results with an illustrative example indicate that at a set temperature of 45 °C, total auxiliary energy will be minimum at 97.3 kWh per day. Dryer will be more effective if operated in the day time. Then, the optimum set temperature will be 50 °C, while auxiliary consumption will be reduced to 39.4 kWh per day. The proposed model assures to be a simple tool in the resource estimation of batch-type industrial dryers suitable for integration with solar heat.