Abstract
ABSTRACT The performance of batch-mode dehumidifier dryers undergoes significant changes during the drying process due to the range of temperature and humidity conditions experienced. Consequently steady-state methods are inapplicable for determining the performance of such kilns. In this paper a dynamic dehumidifier kiln model is used to estimate the drying speed, energy use and annual income for a batch-mode dehumidifier kiln. The model has been validated at both the dryer and dehumidifier levels, and the product is Pinus radiata, an easy-to-dry plantation soft-wood. The results show that control limits for the evaporating and condensing temperatures must be well matched to maximise the drying speed in the constant rate period. In the falling rate period, it is important not to place a lower limit the relative humidity unnecessarily. The use of supplementary heat to accelerate the kiln start-up is shown to have only a small influence on the kiln performance.
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