Analysis of Energy Consumption in a Drying Process of Particleboard Using a Combined Multi-Feed Microwave-Convective Air and Continuous Belt System (CMCB)

Abstract

This research presents the energy consumption analysis in a drying process of particleboards using a Combined Multi-Feed Microwave-Convective Air and Continuous Belt System (CMCB). The construction of this system consists of twelve magnetrons. The of materials are: particleboards, made from contained durian fiber, durian peel powder and water. Four different mixture proportions, formulated for 20 cm  20 cm  1 cm particleboards were: 1:1:1, 1:1:1.5, 2:1:1.5 and 2:1:2. All the tested parameters are moisture content, temperature, dielectric properties, time, specific energy consumption, and efficiency in the drying process. By using a constant microwave power of 2400 W, the study analyzed for 3 cases: different temperatures of hot-air 40, 50, and 60 C. Particleboards quality was verified with a scanning electron microscope. The physical properties, mechanical properties, and thermal properties were examined. The results show that with a higher hot-air temperature, the drying time was shortened, and the specific energy consumption and efficiency in the drying process was decreased. By considering all cases with the microwave power fixed at 2400 W, using hot-air temperatures of 40, 50, and 60 C, the specific energy consumption was equal to 0.1129, 0.0968, and 0.0926 MJ/kg, respectively. Conclusively, using a hot-air temperature of 60 C yields the lowest specific energy consumption.

Keywords: Durian Peel; Dielectric Properties; Drying; Scanning Electron Microscope; Specific Energy Consumption