Simulation optimization and energy consumption evaluation on the wood solar drying kiln with heat storage and dehumidification system

Abstract

The conventional wood drying process has high energy consumption and detrimental environmental impact. While solar energy has found widespread application in material drying, simulation software has been instrumental in optimizing drying processes and curbing energy consumption. Nevertheless, there remains a dearth of simulation and optimization studies specifically focusing on wood drying systems, particularly those incorporating phase-change heat storage devices.This study delves into the wood drying process in one year within a solar drying kiln equipped with a phase-change heat storage and dehumidification system. The investigation scrutinizes the impact of different operating parameters and heat storage devices on the temperature distribution across the entire system. Results indicate that through a new programming method, the simulation of the temperature change of the phase change thermal storage material is realized, and the visualization degree of the system is improved. The average relative error of simulated temperature and measured temperature is 2.29 %, which has a strong consistency. When dehumidifier air flow rate is 1500 m3/h, solar panel angle is 36°, the dehumidifier is turned off when the drying room temperature reaches 55 °C, and the dehumidifier is turned on when the drying room temperature drops below 55 °C, the highest energy efficiency can be achieved. Moreover, through simulation and optimization, the average indoor temperature increased by 24.05 %, and the system energy consumption reduced by about 56.23 %. This is equivalent to a reduction of 3,312.22 kg of CO2 emissions.In essence, this study provides a pathway for enterprises to realize tangible energy savings and emission reductions in the wood drying process, showcasing the potential of integrating solar energy, phase-change heat storage, and dehumidification for enhanced efficiency.