Study of Photovoltaic Powered Forced Circulation Solar Tunnel Bagasse Dryer

摘要

The aim is to investigate efficient and inexpensive solar tunnel bagasse dryer. The experimental findings show that an increase in drying rates as large as 30% can be achieved with fan powers of 10 Watts or less. A mathematical model was developed to simulate the drying process using both equilibrium and psychrometric models. The computer code was used to simulate the lab diying experiments. The measured and the predicted drying rates were found to be in a very good agreement. With the credibility of the drying models established, the second part of the investigation was undertaken. Here, a simulation investigation of a photovoltaic powered solar dryer fitted with collector was carried out. The simulated drying rates obtained from the psychrometric model as well as the drying rates obtained from the equilibrium model for the various runs were used for comparison and analysis. The results were compared with the diying rates predicted by a simulation computer program for AC PV powered fan, a DC PV powered solar dryer, and a natural convection solar dryer were simulated under the same weather conditions and insolations.