Energy Efficiency in Industrial Drying Processes (Technology Talk)

On October 12, 2023, the NEFI Technology Talk on Drying Processes in Industry captivated a diverse and engaged audience in a dynamic online event. With over 60 enthusiastic participants, the Technology Talk, moderated by NEFI expert Veronika Wilk (AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Center for Energy), delved into the crucial role of drying processes in industrial settings, a sector that significantly contributes to industrial energy consumption.

Keynote: Energy Efficiency in Industrial Drying Processes

The keynote by Michael Lauermann (AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Center for Energy) underscored the enduring significance of drying as a preservation technology spanning over 20 different sectors. He outlined the challenges inherent in drying processes, emphasising the pivotal role of energy efficiency. Michael Lauermann highlighted that while the theoretical minimum energy required for convective drying is the evaporation energy of water (2258 kJ/kg), real-world dryers require additional energy to account for various factors like heat transfer, system loss, drying agent loss and product-specific binding energy, collectively referred to as 'drying energy'. Lauermann introduced various types of dryers and discussed the disparity between expected and actual energy efficiency, often stemming from improper operation and design.

To enhance efficiency, Lauermann identified an array of methods, from heat exchangers to advanced control, superheated steam, multi-stage drying, and the promising integration of heat pumps. These technologies offer different levels of potential to boost energy efficiency, contingent on the availability of sensors and robust process control models.