Solar Chemical Heat Pump Drying System for Tropical Region

Abstract:- Solar assisted chemical heat pump drying system for tropical region has been studied. A simulation has been done under the meteorological conditions of Malaysia. The system consists of four mean components, solar collector (evacuated tubes type), storage tank, chemical heat pump units and dryer chamber. The monthly efficiency for evacuated tube solar collector has been predicted to be between the range (59 – 64%) with the deference between mean collector temperature and ambient temperature 20 ºC. The solar fraction as a function of solar collector area has been studied. It was found that as the collector area increases the loss increases and hence the solar fraction increases. A monthly coefficient of performance for heating (COPh) for chemical heat pump has been predicted and the maximum value of 1.8 as function for solar collector area 10 m2 and storage tank size 0.2 m3 were found. Any reduction of energy at condenser as a result of the decrease in solar radiation which in the final decrease the coefficient of performance as well as decrease the efficiency of drying. Key-Words:- evacuated tube collector efficiency, solar fraction, collector area, chemical heat pump, coefficient of performance, drying.