Energy and exergy analysis of timber dryer assisted heat pump

In this research, poplar and pine timbers have been dried from the moisture contents of 1.28 kg water/kg dry matter and 0.60 kg water/kg dry matter to 0.15 kg water/kg dry matter in heat pump dryer functioning on the basis of 24 h operation. The change in weight in all of the timbers was followed in the drying chamber and drying stopped when the desired weight was achieved. At 40 degrees C dry bulb temperature, 0.8 m/s air velocity, and initial moisture content of the poplar timbers 1.28 kg water/kg dry matter, the moisture content was reduced to 0.15 kg water/kg dry matter moisture content in 70 h, and the moisture content of the pine timbers which was 0.60 kg water/kg dry matter was reduced to the same amount in 50 h. All data collected while drying were saved on computer and analysed afterwards. For this system, energy analysis was made to determine the energy utilization. Exergy analysis was accomplished to determine of exergy losses during the drying process. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.