Design and Numerical Energetic Analysis of a Novel Semi-Automated Biomass-Powered Multipurpose Dryer

This work presents a new all-inclusive mathematical model that combines both processes and an energy analysis of a semi-automated biomass-powered multipurpose dryer. A mathematical model was developed and a wood sample was used to simulate the model. Energy interaction between the system and sample was established. Most importantly, the incorporation of a sensor control system ensures that, once there is an increase in thermal energy from the combustion of the biomass, a signal is passed to the temperature sensor module that controls the system's temperature and hence shuts down the heat supply at a predetermined temperature; in this case, at 67 degrees C. The results of the system's modification show that the peak temperature of the drying space and the sample was 67 degrees C and 56 degrees C, respectively, and that the maximum temperature lag witnessed by the two regimes was 10 degrees C. The peak temperature removal rate of the sample was 0.0066 kg/h, while the sample attained 0.4 (40%) moisture concentration of its initial value; 90% mass content removal (10% remaining mass content) of the initial mass of the sample was achieved at the end, with a simulation time of 240 s.