Heat Pump Solar Dryer

BRIEF TECHNOLOGY

The unit consists of the solar collector system and the heat pump system  The working fluids for the collector and the heat pump systems are air and refrigerant, respectively. The heat pump system has four components namely the evaporator, expansion valve, condenser and compressor. The unit can operate in three modes namely (a) heat pump and solar collector (b) solar collector and (c)  heat pump which will enable it to operate continuously. The product to be dried or dehumidified is placed in the trays in the drying chamber. Inlet ambient air will be induced by a fan and pass through the solar collector.  The incoming solar radiation will heat the solar collector and  will direct it to the drying chamber  to pick up moisture from the  product.  The  moisture-laden  air  at   is  then  directed  to  the evaporator and the water vapor for the air can be remove. The conditioned air is directed to the condenser and solar collector. This will produce higher temperature that is properly   dehumidifies   and   readily   flows   through   the   drying chamber.

INSPIRATION OF THE INVENTION

The is a need for an environment friendly and energy efficient technolgy for high value-added dried products.

PROBLEM STATEMENT & CURRENT ISSUES

The traditional method of open sun  drying  is subjected  to  many  risks.  The  risks  are  spoilage  both  during  process  and subsequent    storage,    insect    and    microbial    infestation,    and    dust accumulation resulting in low quality products.

INVENTIVENESS  & NOVELTY

  • The solar collector has several heat transfer enhancement features such as dual pass, fins, and integrated storage system that improve efficiency.
  • The heat pump has dual condeser with high coefficient of performance

USEFULNESS & APPLICATION

  • Environment friendly system – The use of fossil fuel for drying will result in environmental degradation  
  • Energy Saving and low risk
  • Highly profitable business (2 –  6 months payback period)

IMPACT OF THE PRODUCT

High value products –  high quality dried fruit for cereal to heat sensitive medicinal herbs, almost all agricutural to marine products

MARKET POTENTIAL 

  • The solar assisted heat pump solar dryer unit  is an efficient method for drying and dehumidification of agricultural and marine products.
  • Sales of Dried Food Product for Malaysia in 2020 – (RM 4000 million)

TRL :  7

MARKET POTENTIAL 

  • Plantation for water holding materials/fertilizer
  • Sanitary and hygienist: diapers, absorbance sheets (hospital use) etc. 
  • Plant pot and decorations

TRL :  5

Project Leader : Prof. Dato’ Dr. Kamaruzzaman Sopian

Co-Researcher : Prof. Dr. Mohd Hafidz Ruslan, Dr. Sohif Mat, Dr. Adnan Ibrahim 

Dept./Fac./Inst : Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI)

Expertise : solar energy technology

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