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Improvement of heat transfer inside a solar dryer for drying mint using computational fluid dynamics
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Hasan Ghafoori Vazaneh *1   |
| 1- Islamic Azad University Shahr-e-majlesi Branch, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Esfahan, Iran , hasangh28@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (111 Views) |
Using solar dryers in areas with high solar intensities is an economical way to dry food. Drying performance factors depend on factors such as the geometry of the dryer, the drying material and the climate of the area. Therefore, the aim is to simulate fluid flow and heat transfer in a solar dryer to dry the mint plant in Kerman region, which was done using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). In this study, by adding a ventilation fan above the dryer chamber, the dryer temperature was controlled and improved during the hot seasons of the year. This simulation is done as much as possible by considering the actual operating conditions and even the material and materials used in the construction of the dryer so that the results are as close to reality as possible. By validating the results obtained from the numerical simulation method with the data presented experimentally in other articles, it was proved that by using the dynamic method of computational fluids, the behavior of real dryers can be simulated with high accuracy. The advantage of using the simulation method over making a laboratory sample is that in this method it is possible to observe the pattern of air flow through the inner and outer part of the dryer, evaluate the pattern of temperature changes and also the amount of radiation received by the dryer for a full day and generalization. It exists for a year with much lower time and cost. Due to the fact that the performance of the system can be predicted for one year, as a result, it is possible to determine the appropriate or inappropriate time periods of this device for drying mint. It was also stated in this study that by installing a fan to suck the air currents of the dryer, the drying performance of mint can be improved and the heat transfer in the dryer can be improved, especially in the hot months of the year. It is also shown that using the installed fans, the air temperature of the dryer can be reduced to 18 degrees Kelvin, and as a result, a more desirable dried sample can be achieved.
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Article number: 5 |
| Keywords: Solar dryer, Computational fluid dynamics, Forced heat transfer, Mint |
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Full-Text [PDF 1412 kb]
(62 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Heat and Mass Transfer
Received: 2022/05/3 | Accepted: 2022/08/22 | Published: 2022/08/15
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