Comparison of timber drying using solar energy, electrical heating and dehumidifier

Journal Article · Thu Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1999 · Drying Technology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/07373939908917587· OSTI ID:355712

Ong, K S ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). Engineering Faculty

The performance of three different types of dryers for the hot air drying of sawn-timber planks are compared. These were the electric resistance dryer, solar dryer, and the dehumidifier dryer. While the electric and solar dryers depended only upon hot air for drying, the dehumidifier dryer relied on hot dehumidified air. The results of investigations carried out on timber drying employing these three types of dryers in the Engineering Faculty are compiled and compared here in this paper. The results showed that the electric dryer produced the fastest drying time and lowest moisture content, followed by dehumidifier drying. The solar dryer achieved a lower moisture content and a faster drying rate compared to natural drying, although the difference in drying times was marginal.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 355712
• Journal Information: Drying Technology, Journal Name: Drying Technology Journal Issue: 4-5 Vol. 17; ISSN DRTEDQ; ISSN 0737-3937
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DEHUMIDIFIERS
DRYERS
ELECTRIC HEATING
PERFORMANCE
SOLAR KILNS
SOLAR PROCESS HEAT
WOOD
WOOD PRODUCTS INDUSTRY