Simulation design and evaluation of hybrid PV/T assisted desiccant integrated HA-IR drying system (HPIRD)

The aim of this research is to make a simulation design for a hybrid PV/T assisted desiccant integrated HA-IR drying system (HPIRD) which has two components: a photovoltaic air collector (PVAC), and a desiccant silica gel bed (DB). The PVAC and DB have been improved by fins and different bed shapes for improved performance of the drying system. The designed simulation system used TRNSYS and CFX programs with new PVAC and DB components. The two new models were used to develop a new drying system and compared it with a common system. The drying test chose the optimal simulated case and compared it with the experimental results. The simulation results indicated that the PVAC(AF) and v-shape DB were suitable, and they also indicated consistent results when compared to the experiment. Thus, the HPIRD used the optimal case to develop a system. The performance evaluation studies indicated that the HPIRD drying test at 60 degrees C and velocity of 0.6 m/s reduced the drying time by 44% with less energy consumption (63%) compared to hot air drying. HPIRD drying also gave better results over hot air-infrared drying. Finally, drying time, drying rate and energy consumption were reduced considerably with the hybrid drying system. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier B.V on behalf of The institution of Chemical Engineers.