Energy–exergy–ANN analyses of solar-assisted fluidized bed dryer

ABSTRACT

In this study, a temperature-controlled solar air collector was designed and tested for drying. Solar drying systems have two disadvantages. First one is the lack of ability to store energy and the second one is the lack of temperature control. This study presents the experimental analysis of an air collector that is able to keep the drying air temperature at 40°C even in cases where the level of solar radiation received by the collectors changes. Most of the tests were performed at a solar radiation level ranging from 500 to 900 W/m² and at an air flow of 3 to 5 m/s. The system tested for drying three different crops separately performed 21 h of a total of 27-h drying period at or above the temperature set of 40°C. The thermodynamic analysis of the relationship between solar radiation, air temperature, flow, and the produced energy was performed. The relationship between productivity, energy produced, and set temperature was analyzed using distribution charts. Moreover, an artificial neural network model was used to estimate outlet air temperature from the solar collectors based on air flow, solar radiation, and outside air temperature.

KEYWORDS:

• Endemic vegetation
• solar collector
• solar energy