Application of the self-heat recuperation technology for energy saving in biomass drying system

An advanced energy-saving drying process based on self-heat recuperation technology was proposed for biomass drying. Compared with previously developed design, the newly developed design further reduced energy consumption by 40%. Energy consumptions in the drying systems were qualified and compared through the process simulator PRO/II. Energy consumption of self-heat recuperative dryers in this study can be reduced to 1/4–1/7 of that of a conventional heat recovery dryer. Effects of the heat exchange type, ratio of air to product, minimum temperature difference between the hot and cold streams in the heat exchanger, and drying medium on the system energy consumption were evaluated when applying self-heat recuperation technology to a biomass drying system.

► An advanced drying process with further energy saving was developed.
► Self-heat recuperation technology was applied to biomass drying systems.
► Exergy analysis was conducted in the biomass drying systems.
► Factors affecting the process energy consumption were investigated.