Overview of Heat-Pump–Assisted Drying Systems, Part I: Integration, Control Complexity, and Applicability of New Innovative Concepts

Abstract

Over the last two decades, many academic R&D studies on drying used heat pumps to improve the overall energy efficiency of the process as well as the quality of dried materials. Part I of this overview focuses on a number of proposed new and innovative heat-pump-assisted drying concepts. It investigates the accuracy of integration configurations and associated control methods, and tries to evaluate their industrial application potential. This article aims to help identify as well as promote the most promising technological advancements and the application of industrial heat-pump-assisted drying systems.

Keywords:

• Agro-food product drying
• Drying heat pumps
• Fruit drying
• Heat balance control
• Wood drying