An automated solar biomass hybrid dryer in rural communities in Ghana
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Date
2017-10
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Publisher
ISES
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.
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Citation
G. Obeng-Akrofi / SWC 2017 / SHC 2017 / ISES Conference Proceedings (2017)