Simulation of a flat solar collector with thermal storage for drying food


Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22517/23447214.24835

Keywords:

drying, numerical fluid simulation, solar collector, solar energy, thermal energy storage

Abstract

This research addresses the numerical simulation of a working fluid, using specialized SolidWorks Flow Simulation Software, analyzing the behavior of a drying air in a flat solar collector with thermal energy storage. In addition, one of the main centers of computational study is the relationship between flow, air temperature at the outlet of the collector and efficiency; This study allows researchers a vision of the principles of the design of these technologies, especially if it focuses on the drying of food. Then, a proposal is made on the requirements to be taken into account for the sizing of collectors based on the requirements of the product to be dried. Among the results obtained, it is established that a correctly designed collector and under a variable air flow, based on the intensity of the irradiation in specific coordinates and location, can reach efficiencies close to 30% with temperatures close to 60 ° C, being ideal for injecting this fluid into a drying chamber, where the food to be dehydrated is available. For the selection of the volume of the material for energy storage, it is recommended to take the melting temperatures as a base, with a constant flow of air, it is normal that within the system, the temperature varies depending on the position, therefore it is recommending the application of materials with different melting temperatures, which are strategically located within the storage tank.

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Author Biographies

Arly Darío Rincón Quintero, Unidades Tecnológicas de Santander

was born in Aguachica, Cesar, Colombia in 1982. He received the degree in mechanical engineering from Francisco de Paula Santander University, Colombia, in 2005 and the degree Master in Energy Efficiency and Sustainability from the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Bilbao, España, in 2013. He is currently pursuing the Ph.D. degree in Energy efficiency and sustainability in engineering and architecture with Basque Country UPV/EHU,Bilbao, España. He is a senior researcher before MinCiencias, Colombia associate professor at the Unidades Tecnologicas de Santander, in the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering.

Luis Alfonso del Portillo Valdés, Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU

PhD in Energy and Fluidomechanical Engineering from the University of Valladolid, Industrial Engineer from the Higher Technical School of Engineering of the UNED (National University of Distance Education: Madrid ES), and Industrial Technical Engineer from the University School of Industrial Technical Engineering of Bilbao, UPV/EHU and the Research Group ENEDI (Energy in Building).

Camilo Leonardo Sandoval Rodriguez, Unidades Tecnológicas de Santander

Was born in Bucaramanga, Santander, on July 24, 1977. Electronic Engineer from the Industrial University of Santander, Master in Electronic Engineering from the Industrial University of Santander and PhD in electronics and communications from the University of the Basque Country EHU-UPV, Spain. Professor of the Technological Units of Santander, attached to the Coordination of Electromechanics and director of the Research Group on Energy Systems, Automation and Control GISEAC.

Brayan Eduardo Tarazona Romero, Unidades Tecnológicas de Santander

Was born in Floridablanca, Santander, on August 21, 1992. Electromechanical technologist of the Unidades Tecnológicas de Santander, Colombia in 2013. Ingeniero Electromecánico de las Unidades Tecnológicas de Santander, Colombia en el año 2015. Master in Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency from the Open University of Madrid, Spain in 2018 and PhD in Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Engineering and Architecture from the University of the Basque Country EHU-UPV, Spain. Professor of the Technological Units of Santander, attached to the Coordination of Electromechanics, the seedbed Technological Evolution EVOTEC and the Research Group in Energy Systems, Automation and Control GISEAC.

Wilmar Leonardo Rondón Romero, Unidades Tecnológicas de Santander

was born in Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia in 1993. He received the degree in Electromechanical engineering from Unidades Tecnológicas de Santander, in 2017. He is a junior researcher before MinCiencias, Colombia.

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Published

2023-03-31

How to Cite

Rincón Quintero, A. D., del Portillo Valdés, L. A., Sandoval Rodriguez, C. L., Tarazona Romero, B. E., & Rondón Romero, W. L. (2023). Simulation of a flat solar collector with thermal storage for drying food . Scientia Et Technica, 28(01), 15–22. https://doi.org/10.22517/23447214.24835