Journal of Taiwan Agricultural Research

Author:Li-Duhng Huarng, Jian-Jhih Lin*, Hsiang-Wen Chiu, and Jyh-Rong Tsay

Abstract:

    As the energy prices continue to hike internationally, energy saving and efficiency improving will become the focal issues. Heat pumps absorb heat in the ambient air or water through the evaporation, compression and expansion process of the Vapor Compression Refrigeration Cycle. It transfers the heat energy in an opposite direction of spontaneous heat flow. The heat pump system is energy efficient and saves a lot of energy. The application of heat pumps has become a hot tool to replace the diesel or gas burner in order to save energy costs effectively. The operation of a heat pump system transfers heat from one place to another. It can provide both heat and cold water simultaneously with proper device. Therefore, it operates with high energy efficiency. According to the source that a heat pump absorbs heat from and the destination it flows heat to, the heat pumps can be categorized into air-water heat pumps and water-water heat pumps. A water-water heat pump system was adopted in this study. The application of its hot air in drying agricultural products and cold air in condensing water vapor generated in the drying process allows agricultural products using this drying method showing good color. In addition to improve the drying quality of agricultural products, it also promotes energy efficiency. It is an effective way to save energy and reduce carbon emission. The heat pump condensing dryer set up in Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) can provide 65℃ hot air for drying through the heat exchanger and the cold water temperature reaches as low as 12℃. The estimated total energy efficiency of the system (COP) is higher than 3.6.

Key words:Heat pump, Condensation drying, Energy efficiency

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