Performance evaluation of a solar vacuum dryer integrated with thermal-energy storage and economic comparison with a steam-heated kiln

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Abstract

A solar-assisted vacuum drying system was developed using six custom-fabricated aluminium platens filled with fatty acid-based phase change material (PCM). The stored heat supported timber drying inside a vacuum chamber, ensuring continued drying after sunset. Drying experiments in February used PCM-filled platens under 500 mbar vacuum to dry 38 mm thick mango planks. A techno-economic performance of steam kilns and solar vacuum kilns under varying operational scenarios was also evaluated. Results suggest that wood core temperature remained at sufficiently higher temperature during day time (maximum 65°C) and in range of 41°C to 45°C throughout the night time, indicating latent heat release, while kiln air and ambient temperatures remained consistently lower. This resulted in drying of 38 mm mango wood from initial moisture content 51% to final 10% in five days drying in the month of February. Economic feasibility evaluation showed that the solar vacuum kiln exhibited consistent profitability (16% to 138%), particularly when operational costs were minimized, due to its low fuel dependency, whereas, the steam heated kiln showed profitability was in the range of 4% to 94%. Energy costs and interest on the value of the timber were found to be significant costing parameters.

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