Thin-layer drying of cassava chips in multipurpose convective tray dryer: Energy and exergy analyses

Energy and exergy data of the drying of thin-layer cassava (Manihot esculenta) chips in a multipurpose convective-type tray dryer at 50 °C were collected to evaluate the technical performance of the drying system. The energy and exergy parameters, i.e. energy utilization, energy utilization ratio, energy efficiency, exergy inflow and outflow, exergy loss, and ex-ergetic efficiency were analyzed. The results indicate that the energy utilization, exergy inflow, exergy outflow, and exergy efficiency increased in the ranges of 9.53–24.66 kJ/s, 5.67–11.34 kJ/s, 2.21–8.04 kJ/s, and 38.90 %270.86 %, respectively, with increasing drying time. The results also show that the energy utilization ratio, energy efficiency, and exergetic improvement potential tend to decrease in the ranges of 0.49–0.68, 47.48 %–62.62 %, and 0.96–2.33 kJ/s, respectively, with increasing drying time. Additionally, stable exergy losses were observed during the drying process, within the range of 3.30–4.27 kJ/s during drying. Further research and development that could be used to improve the performance of this drying process are also suggested.