Abstract
This research work is concerned in the exergy analysis of the continuous-convection drying of onion. The influence of temperature and air velocity was studied in terms of exergy parameters. The energy and exergy balances were carried out taking into account the onion drying chamber. Its behavior was analyzed based on exergy efficiency, exergy loss rate, exergetic improvement potential rate, and sustainability index. The exergy loss rates increase with the temperature and air velocity augmentation. Exergy loss rate is influenced by the drying air temperatures and velocities because the overall heat transfer coefficient varies with these operation conditions. On the other hand, the exergy efficiency increases with the air velocity augmentation. This behavior is due to the energy utilization was improved because the most amount of supplied energy was utilized for the moisture evaporation. However, the exergy efficiency decreases with the temperature augmentation due to the free moisture being lower, then, the moisture begins diffusing from the internal structure to the surface. The exergetic improvement potential rate values show that the exergy efficiency of onion drying process can be ameliorated. The sustainability index of the drying chamber varied from 1.9 to 5.1. To reduce the process environmental impact, the parameters must be modified in order to ameliorate the exergy efficiency of the process.
Highlights
Thermodynamics plays an important role in analyzing the energy efficiency of industrial processes.The used energy through a process is important, and its utilization optimization is substantial considering the environmental and economic aspects
The exergy loss rate related to the onion drying increases with temperature and the velocity (Figure 1)
The influence of drying air parameters in an onion drying system was studied in terms of exergy parameters
Summary
Thermodynamics plays an important role in analyzing the energy efficiency of industrial processes. The used energy through a process is important, and its utilization optimization is substantial considering the environmental and economic aspects. It is possible to identify potential savings taking into account the operating conditions. Exergy is defined as the maximum work quantity produced from a matter flow, heat, or work during the equilibrium is reached with the environment taken as reference. Exergy analysis is a useful methodology to establish strategies in the design and operation of industrial processes when the energy use must be optimized. Exergy analysis has been amply used to evaluate thermal system yields
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