Energy Efficiency in Lumber Drying - Sample of Drying Red Pine (Pinus brutia) Using Solar Energy

Energy supply and cost come to the forefront more with each passing day. However, the impacts on the environment in the production and consumption have become important as cost and supply. Therefore, wind, solar, wave etc. began to take their place as natural and sustainable with being alternative energy sources. This change in energy use is also reflected in the wood industry. In this study, the performance of drying kiln using solar energy as a heat source was investigated. In this context, Red Pine lumbers with two different thickness groups were dried in a solar kiln located Mugla where is relatively important region about solar energy. The results showed that the desired final moisture contents were achieved by substantially maintaining the lumber quality. Although the drying duration a bit longer than other methods, it can be said that at least 30% energy saving was provided. As a result, compared to other energy types used in drying kilns, it has been seen that drying operations with low cost and good quality can be performed with solar energy which can be described as a clean energy type.