Advanced Exergy Analysis of a Heat Pump Drying System Used in Food Drying

Exergy analysis has been used as a powerful tool to study and optimize various types of energy systems. However, the methodology of splitting the exergy destructions (the so-called advanced exergy analysis) allows for a further understanding of the exergy destruction values to improve the system efficiency. In this study, advanced exergy analysis was applied to a pilot-scale heat pump drying system used in food drying for the first time to evaluate its performance at different drying temperatures. The results showed that inefficiencies within the compressor and condenser were mainly due to the internal operating conditions and the efficiencies in the evaporator and heat recovery system could be improved by structural improvements of the whole system and remaining system components.