Mathematical modelling of solar drying of a novel composite desiccant

In this article, the regeneration (drying) and mathematical modelling of moisture ratio of a novel composite desiccant using the Scheffler solar concentrator have been proposed. The regeneration performance is significantly affected by solar radiation, the surface temperature of the desiccant, atmospheric wind speed and initial moisture content. The changes in mass and drying parameters are recorded at an interval of every 10min. Drying curve obtained from the experimental data is fitted to 12 drying models to explain the behaviour of the novel composite desiccant drying. The Midilli and Kucuk model is the best descriptive model in this case with a coefficient of correlation (R) of 0.9942, and a root mean square error analysis of 0.03124. It takes 100min in the saturated regeneration of the novel composite under subjected conditions and 15.97% weight reduction is achieved.