Energy and Exergy Analysis of an Industrial Corn Dryer Operated by Two Different Fuels

Abstract

In this study, the data obtained after converting an industrial horizontal type corn dryer that meets its drying air temperature from coal to natural gas was compared by thermodynamic analyses. Before starting the drying process, it was assumed that the corn type DKC6050 with 24-25% corn inlet humidity dries when it reaches approximately 14% corn outlet humidity, which is the storage condition after the drying process. Energy and exergy efficiencies, drying rates, unit drying costs, specific moisture extraction rate, and specific energy consumption values of the analysed systems were determined using the data obtained from the experiments carried out at 90, 100 and 110°C drying temperatures. On the other hand, it was also determined that the unit drying cost was approximately 0.1-0.45 €/kg and the specific energy consumption was less than approximately 1,000-8,000 kJ/kgwater. Also, emission values released to the environment were calculated for both systems based on the amount of energy required for drying.