Experimental and numerical analysis of cylindrical straw drying

Abstract

The paper presents experimental and numerical results of the heat and mass transfer in a cylindrical bale of straw. The experimental measurements were made in a specialized stand of straw driers. Flue gasses, comes from straw combustion in the biomass boiler, are used as a drying medium. There were made measurements of humidity and temperature inside the cylindrical straw bale during the drying process. The results were used to prepare the drying rate curve. Moreover, data were used to validate the numerical model of straw drying. The numerical model was performed to depict the heat and mass transfer inside the straw bale. Furthermore, the model was used to optimize the drying process. The paper presents result of experimental and numerical drying rates of cylindrical straw bale and heat and mass transfer in its interior. As a result of the work numerical model was obtained. It satisfactorily describes the mechanisms inside the drying straw bale.