Design and Tests of a Solar- Dehumidifier Kiln with Heat Storage and Heat Recovery Systems.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-1-1987

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

A rockbed heat storage unit, an additional solar collector, and a heatpipe heat recovery system were added to an existing experimental solar-dehumidifier kiln and tested with 4/4 yellow-poplar. This novel system kiln-dried and conditioned yellow-poplar lumber from green (92%) to 8 percent moisture content in 7 to 11 days throughout the year. These drying times are almost equal to the conventional steam-heated kiln-drying time of 6 to 10 days. Lumber quality was excellent. The lumber was lighter in color than conventional kiln-dried lumber. No collapse, surface checking, or end checking was observed in the dried lumber. Adding heat storage and heat recovery systems and a second solar collector to the solar-dehumidifier kiln increased the kiln's energy efficiency by nearly 30 percent. A solar-dehumidifier kiln, with heat storage and heat recovery systems and an additional collector, offers an energy-efficient method of drying hardwood lumber.

First Page

26

Last Page

30

Publication Title

Forest Products Journal

Comments

At the time of publication, Wayne A. Helmer was affiliated with Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

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