Articles
Implementation of wind-solar hybrid systems in solar dryers through a mathematical model and the analysis of the ventilation rate
Article number
1426_54
Pages
389 – 396
Language
English
Abstract
To install renewable energy systems in solar dryers it is essential to determine the electrical energy demanded.
For the most part, solar dryers require the use of exhaust fans (which are the most considerable electrical loads) for two reasons: 1) to control the air temperature, since normally a temperature above 60°C could spoil the products, and 2) decrease dehydration time.
In this work, a stable state mathematical model is presented that calculates the indoor temperature of solar dryers.
A direct type model solar dryer of 2.2 m3 volume was built in the central region of Mexico to obtain experimental data, which is ventilated by exhaust fans and has a polycarbonate cover.
Based on the air temperature results, an analysis of the ventilation rate was carried out and the air flow required by the model solar dryer was obtained to reduce unwanted temperatures.
Subsequently, an average exhaust fan operating time of 4.2 h day‑1 was taken as a basis and then it was time to size and install an autonomous wind-solar hybrid system that is capable of supplying the energy required by the solar dryer.
The system consists of one wind turbine of 400 W, two solar panels of 80 W, one battery of 2 kWh.
Results of hybrid energy systems are shown for larger capacity solar dryers.
System operation tests were carried out, the feasibility of installing renewable energy systems in solar dryers was demonstrated.
For the most part, solar dryers require the use of exhaust fans (which are the most considerable electrical loads) for two reasons: 1) to control the air temperature, since normally a temperature above 60°C could spoil the products, and 2) decrease dehydration time.
In this work, a stable state mathematical model is presented that calculates the indoor temperature of solar dryers.
A direct type model solar dryer of 2.2 m3 volume was built in the central region of Mexico to obtain experimental data, which is ventilated by exhaust fans and has a polycarbonate cover.
Based on the air temperature results, an analysis of the ventilation rate was carried out and the air flow required by the model solar dryer was obtained to reduce unwanted temperatures.
Subsequently, an average exhaust fan operating time of 4.2 h day‑1 was taken as a basis and then it was time to size and install an autonomous wind-solar hybrid system that is capable of supplying the energy required by the solar dryer.
The system consists of one wind turbine of 400 W, two solar panels of 80 W, one battery of 2 kWh.
Results of hybrid energy systems are shown for larger capacity solar dryers.
System operation tests were carried out, the feasibility of installing renewable energy systems in solar dryers was demonstrated.
Publication
Authors
E. Ríos-Urbán, E. Sánchez-Cruces, E. Romantchik-Kriuchkova
Keywords
electricity demand, ordinary differential equations, dryer system
Groups involved
- Division Precision Horticulture and Engineering
- Division Greenhouse and Indoor Production Horticulture
- Working Group Nettings in Horticulture (subgroup of Protected Cultivation in Mild Winter Climates)
- Working Group Light in Horticulture
- Working Group Organic Greenhouse Horticulture
- Working Group Vegetable Grafting
- Working Group Modelling Plant Growth, Environmental Control, Greenhouse Environment
- Working Group Protected Cultivation, Nettings and Screens for Mild Climates
- Working Group Computational Fluid Dynamics in Agriculture
- Working Group Design and Automation in Integrated Indoor Production Systems
- Working Group Mechanization, Digitization, Sensing and Robotics
- Working Group Greenhouse Environment and Climate Control
- Division Landscape and Urban Horticulture
- Commission Agroecology and Organic Farming Systems
- Division Vegetables, Roots and Tubers
- Working Group Vertical Farming
Online Articles (75)