Active Solar Dryer Project Report: Design and Performance Analysis

This project report details the design, testing, and optimization of an active solar desiccant dryer, specifically for carpet drying applications. The study begins with an introduction to solar drying and its advantages, followed by a description of the design of a flat plate solar air heater and the subsequent testing of its performance based on ASHRAE standards. The report includes a schematic view of the solar air heater, performance test system, and thermal performance and pressure drop results. The design of the solar drying system for a carpet factory is then presented, including the use of TRNSYS software for modeling and simulation. The report analyzes variations in solar radiation, air temperature, and moisture content under different test conditions. A physical model is developed to approximate fin efficiency, and the results of simulations are presented. The report concludes with a discussion on the optimization of the heat exchanger design to enhance energy efficiency and reduce costs, including comparisons of various configurations and an evaluation of the overall thermal performance under specific climatic conditions.