Abstract
A generally well-known high energy requirement for technological processes of timber drying and the fact that the world's supply of the conventional energy sources has considerably decreased are the decisive factors forcing us to look for some new, if possible, renewable energy sources for this process emphasising their environmental reliability.One of the possibilities of how to replace, at least partly, the conventional energy sources - heat in a drying process is solar energy.Air-drying of timber usually has a series of disadvantages such as time expenditure, drying defects in the wood and inadequate final moisture content. To avoid these drawbacks, kiln drying is used in many cases to dry the timber, but this involves higher investments for equipment and greater operating costs. The energy used to dry timber is approximately 60 to 70 % of the total energy used to manufacture timber.A method that obviates or reduces the disadvantages of air-drying and, at the same time, reduces the costs of kiln drying, is drying with solar heat. For the most part, fossil fuels are currently used to dry timber products. Solar energy can replace a large part of this depletable energy since solar energy can supply heat at the temperatures most often used to dry wood (i.e. from 40 to 100 °C). Solar timber-dryers offer an attractive solution.
Highlights
The Slovak Republic as other countries with the well-developed industry including wood processing industry can spend five or more per cent of its national energy consumption on drying processes
The variables were selected according to a preliminary plan, which would allow conclusions about the two different drying methods, by comparing the results
With regard to the species, comparing the runs leads to the conclusion that solar drying of hardwood is slower and more expensive than air drying, it is more profitable than for softwoods
Summary
The Slovak Republic (the SR) as other countries with the well-developed industry including wood processing industry can spend five or more per cent of its national energy consumption on drying processes. As with other goods drying, requires a large quantity of energy. Primary forest resources for timber production represent a substantial wood potential. M3 p.a. It is considered that woodcutting for industrial use is at the level of 5 mil. Their processing to timber is about 70 to 75 %, which represents more than 3.5 mil. M3 of timber with high moisture content. It is recommended that all timber should be dried to a level of moisture content, at least 20 % or less depending on its final use
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