On Solar Drying of Woody Biomass

Abstract

In order to save drying energy in pelletizing process of woody blomass a drying procedure with solar energy was investigated in a firon-covered greenhouse. Firstly experiments of a radiation drying used the house were conducred and then the drying rates were expressed by experimental formulas. Secondly a forced-air drying was compared with the radiation drying and it was proved that the drying rates of the former were larger than those of the latter.
Therefore, the forced-air drying method was applied to the solar drying and the drying characteristics were examined in indoor experiments. In order to estimate the drying rates in various conditions the mathematical model of the drying was proposed and then the economical merits of the solar drying system were investigated by using of a simulation method.