A review on exergy analysis of drying processes and systems

In recent years, growing attention has been given to exergy analysis of drying processes and systems and optimization of drying processes using exergy concept. This research interest is motivated by increasing the price of energies, environmental concerns, world population, decreasing fossil fuel recourses, and demanding for high quality dried products. Exergetic analysis provides a tool for a more realistic view between energy losses to the environment and internal irreversibilities in the process. The present literature review summarizes the using of exergy analysis in drying operations and facilities, discovers it benefits and abilities, and identifies prospects for future researches. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.