Design, Optimization and Analysis of Electric Heat Drier

Abstract

The utilization of solar energy for food drying has long been a method of food preservation. Regrettably, certain methods that are implemented in rural areas have resulted in numerous drawbacks, including the inferior quality of the food that is produced and the extended drying time that is a result of numerous external factors. The Electric Powered Air Dryer is a novel technology that is derived from the combination of electric and thermal energy. The electric heater is employed in our endeavor to convert electric energy into heat energy through the use of a blower. We introduce the electric air dryer machine in our project for the primary purpose of dehydrating seeds, fruits, and other items with high moisture content. In our endeavor, the electric air dryer comprises four primary components: a blower, heat sensing element, 12v adapter, and electric heater. The blower is designed to transport heated air to the designated location, thereby eliminating the moisture content of the area. Additionally, our product is portable in size. Therefore, it is effortless to relocate the ground dehydrator to any location. This report includes a background on the project, with the first chapter introducing the topic of drying and our endeavor. The literature review is the subject of the second chapter. Chapter three comprises drier descriptions. The fourth chapter delves into the design of the dryer, while the fifth chapter provides an analysis of the dryer. The final chapter comprises references, while the sixth chapter compares conventional drying.

Introduction

I. Introduction

Energy powers all human and natural activities. Historically, renewable sources like wind, water, and firewood were primary energy providers. These were largely solar-dependent and sustainable. However, since the 1800s, there's been a shift to non-renewable fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.

II. Literature Review

Researchers have explored electric drying as an efficient method for drying agricultural and other products, offering a better alternative to conventional drying methods. Key findings:

• Traditional drying methods cause 25–40% post-harvest losses in developing nations.

• Electric dryers, especially those with thermal storage, are more efficient and suitable for moderate-temperature drying (40–75°C).

• Studies have reviewed types of electric dryers: direct, indirect, mixed-mode, active, and passive.

• Electric drying is cost-effective, less polluting, and more climate-independent than sun drying or fossil fuel-based drying.

• Adoption remains low due to cost, energy access, and technical complexity.

III. Components of the Electric Air Dryer

1. Electric coil with 12V adapter

2. DC blower

3. Frame

4. Drying container

5. 7sigma digital thermometer

IV. Working Principle

• Heat Generation: Electric coils produce heat, transferred via convection to the drying chamber.

• Air Circulation: A fan circulates warm air for uniform drying.

• Moisture Removal: Moisture evaporates and is vented out.

• Sensors & Controls: Temperature and humidity are monitored for optimal drying.

• Safety: Overheat protection and insulation improve efficiency and safety.

V. Design Details

• The dryer was designed to dry 20 A4 handmade paper sheets (each 22g, 50% moisture) to 7% moisture content in 1 hour.

• Total heat required per paper: ~26.76 kJ

• Energy required to dry 20 papers/hour: ~148 W

• Required air flow: 0.36 m³/min

• Drying chamber size: Finalized at 0.9 m × 0.9 m × 0.9 m for efficient air circulation and volume.

VI. Performance Analysis

• Drying tests were conducted at four different times daily.

• Each test lasted 1 hour with real-time monitoring of:

  • Temperature

  • Humidity

  • Air flow

• Atmospheric conditions influenced performance, requiring adjustments.

VII. Comparison with Traditional Drying

• Electric drying completed in 70 minutes

• Open sun drying took a full day for similar results

• Final product quality (weight/moisture) was comparable

• Electric dryers outperformed sun drying in efficiency and time

VIII. Future Scope

1. Efficiency & Power Optimization

• Smart control systems

• Solar-assisted electric dryers

2. Design Improvements

• Use of better insulating and heat-resistant materials

• Portable and lightweight models

3. Automation & IoT Integration

• Real-time monitoring and adaptive controls

• Remote operation via AI and IoT

4. Cost Reduction & Sustainability

• Affordable manufacturing

• Eco-friendly designs

5. Scalability

• Applications in industrial and agricultural sectors

• Customization for diverse products

Conclusion

The dryer was built to run one hour drying twenty A4 sized papers. Results came from the design, fabrication, and analysis done. The dryer dried the paper in 65 to 75 minutes; the open drying took one day to dry the same quantity of papers. The general quality of the paper was determined by the atmospheric circumstances. Larger the intensity of electric energy, the efficiency of the electric dryer will be more. Since the dryer\'s construction cost is reduced, it allows a better hand over the traditional electric dryer. Comparatively to the typical sun drying, the electric drying was rather efficient and the drying time was quite reduced utilizing the electric drier. Making several design changes will help this technology to be developed and improve the efficiency of drying.

References

[1] Lawand TA. A Solar cabinet drier. Solar Energy 1960; 10:4. [2] Bhatia AK, Gupta SL. Solar drier for drying apricots. Research and Industry, India 21 (3): 188±191. 197 [3] Islam MN, Flink JM. Dehydration of potato: 1. Air and Solar drying at low air velocities. JFd Technol 1982; 17:373±85. [4] Kalrg SK, Bhardwaj, Use of simple solar dehydrator for drying fruits and vegetable products, JFd Sci 18:23±29. [5] Yanlai Z, Minglong Z, Hong Z, Zhandong Y. Solar drying for agricultural products in china. In: Proceedings of international conference on new technology of agricultural engineering; 2011.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Ajit Burade, Swapnil Chaudhary, Dr. Vijayashri Mohobiya. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.