+44 3308180992Isola AE*, Olakunle MS, Olawale AS
The selection of working fluid, operating conditions, system configuration and design are the major factor that influence the performance, cost estimation and environmental impact of heat pump drying system. The aim of this research was to investigate, the performance and economic value of vapour compression heat pump for heating process and drying of tomatoes slices at drying air temperatures 40°C, air flowrate of 1 km/hr and at evaporating temperature and condensing temperature of 10°C and 15°C respectively using diethyl-ether as working fluid at 700 kpa discharge pressure of compressor and 120 kpa valve pressure. The specific moisture extraction ratio is 0.4013 kg/KWh, specific energy consumption is 2.49 kWhr/kg. energetic coefficient of performance of HPD system is 5.83, exergetic coefficient of performance of HPD system is 30.20% and overall exergy efficiency at the highest ambient air temperature (30°C) is 33.30%. The exergy analysis of the compartments of the heat pump drying system were obtained. Condenser and evaporator of the system have the major contribution in exergy destruction with low exergy efficiency. Payback period is 1.86 years and present net worth is 4,122,210 USD.
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