An automated solar biomass hybrid dryer in rural communities in Ghana

Abstract

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to simulate the drying process of a Solar-Biomass Hybrid Dryer (SBHD). CFD simulations were set up with the software StarCCM+ for investigating the temperature distribution inside a 5-tonne prototype in a rural community in Ghana. The predicted temperature distributions were compared to the experimental data of temperature distribution in the dryer. The simulated results of Levels 1 and 2 within the dryer were 5–15 K higher than the experimental data. This was due to the introduction of cold air at the bottom of the dryer and also, the absence of the effect of the fans in the dryer during the simulation process. The simulated results fit nearly perfect for Layers 3 and 4 in the dryer with a deviation of not more than 5 K. All in all, the predicted simulation agrees with the experimental data. In order to improve drying conditions in the SBHD, it is suggested that the integration of an automated system which will aid in the controlled introduction of hot air at high air flow at the lower levels of the shelves in the dryer would be required.