Performance of a solar-ambient hybrid source heat pump drier for copra drying under hot-humid weather conditions

This paper communicates the energy performance of a solar-ambient hybrid source heat pump drier (SAHSHPD) for copra drying under hot-humid weather conditions. The standard energy performance parameters such as coefficient of performance (COP), condenser heat capacity (Qc) and specific moisture extraction rate (SMER) were evaluated. The results showed that COP of a SAHSHPD was varied between 2.31 and 2.77 with an average value of 2.54. The condenser heating capacity was varied between 2900 W and 3750 W with an average value of 3290 W. The SMER was calculated as 0.79 kg/kWh. The moisture content (on wet basis) of the copra was reduced from about 52% to about 9.2% and 9.8% in 40 h for trays at bottom and top, respectively. The quality of copra obtained in a SAHSHPD was found to be higher compared to other drying methods.