Design of Solar–Dehumidification Wood Drying Kiln Characterized by High Capacity and Temperature

Abstract

ABSTRACT Solar–;dehumidification wood drying kilns attract more and more interest due to their energy saving characteristics. However. such dryers are only available for small effective drying volume capacities. less than 30 m3, and for low drying temperature under 65 °C, for Chinese domestic products. In fact, wood drying kilns over 60 m3and high drying temperatures upto 95 °C or even higher are commonly desired from economic and process technology points o f view. For instance, if the drying temperature is below 60 °C. a long drying period will result in high operational costs and may also cause mould as well colour changes on the lumber surface. It is also known that the anti- decay ability of the seasoned lumber is lhus reduced. As such. the design of the solar–dehumidification wood drying kiln with an effective drying volume capacity of 60 m3 and a drying temperature upto 95 0C was made. Two compression processes for dehumidification and heat pump systems were adopted. The refrigerant of R1(2). which...