Heat Pump-Assisted Dryers : Optimum Sizing, Design, and Operation Rules

This book identifies the ideal sizing, operation, and control strategies for hot air convective bath driers coupled with air-to-air mechanical vapor compression heat pumps. It evaluates the energy requirements, most efficient operation and control methods, drying performances, and environmental issues and considerations.

Heat Pump-Assisted Dryers: Optimum Sizing, Design, and Operation Rules identifies the optimum sizing, operation, and control strategies for hot air convective batch driers coupled with air-to-air mechanical vapor compression heat pumps. It evaluates the energy requirements, most efficient operation and control methods, drying performances, and environmental issues and considerations. Covering the physical drying process of porous solid materials (fruits, vegetables, and wood), the book discusses heat conduction and moisture migration. It investigates the optimum coupling of thermodynamic systems, examining unproved drying techniques and combining solar energy and heat pump-assisted dryers. The book explores future R&D needs, including advanced drying technologies, low GWP refrigerants, and process integration. This book is an essential resource for professionals working with heat pumps, industrial process engineers, manufacturers, and academic researchers studying advances in drying technologies and processes.