Análise da viabilidade da utilização de bomba de calor em secadores de sementes termo sensíveis

Abstract

In this work, the importance of seed drying was demonstrated, as well as the difficulties encountered in this process. Moreover, the advantages of dryers using heat pumps were presented. Based on this information, a deep bed stationary dryer model that employs a heat pump as a source of thermal energy was developed. Subsequently, an analysis of the energy and economic viability of this type of equipment, compared to conventional dryers in the process of drying black bean seeds, was carried out. The results indicated that this type of dryer can achieve drying rates equivalent to conventional continuous flow dryers, resulting in 52% less energy consumption. However, due to the high cost of electricity, the drying cost associated with this type of dryer is 62% higher. Despite this, it was observed that it is possible to achieve drying costs similar to conventional dryers with a 22% reduction in the drying rate.