Thermodynamic method for designing dryers operated by flat-plate solar collectors

• Published in: Renewable energy Vol. 26; no. 4; pp. 649 - 660
• Main Authors: Torres-Reyes, E., Navarrete-Gonzalez, J.J., Ibarra-Salazar, B.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2002; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Flat-plate solar collectors; Natural energy; Optimal design; Solar collectors; Solar drying; Solar energy; Solar thermal conversion; Varying operation conditions; Solar drying; Varying operation conditions; Flat-plate solar collectors; Optimal design; Solar collector; Solar dryers; Thermodynamic analysis; Second law of thermodynamics; Performance analysis; Thermal analysis; Flat plate collectors; Empirical model
• ISSN: 0960-1481; 1879-0682
• DOI: 10.1016/S0960-1481(01)00147-1

In this work a thermal performance analysis of the solar drying process is presented. It describes semi-empirical models for the thermal characterization of an experimental indirect solar dryer device. A procedure for designing drying equipment, which takes into account the varying operating conditions given by the variations of the environmental conditions is also presented. On the other hand, a simplified method to design solar collectors based on the determination of minimum entropy generation during the thermal conversion of solar energy, is described. Finally, the results of the preliminary design of the solar dryer are presented using the thermal analysis procedure and the method derived from the Second law of thermodynamics.