Comprehensive exergy analysis of dandelion root during physical pre-treatment by convective solar drying

Abstract

In this study, a controlled indirect solar dryer was used to dry dandelion roots at three temperatures of 60°C, 70°C, and 80°C, together with two air flow rates of 0.0417 m3/s and 0.0834 m3/s. The main aim of this research is to carry out an exergetic analysis on the dryer chamber and the drying process in order to improve the exergetic efficiency of the solar dryer. The outcomes showed that the level of exegetic performance depends on the variation of the operating conditions. The exergy yield of the drying chamber of six drying configurations was obtained between the ranges of 48.1141%-68.2755%.