Three-dimensional model for heat and mass transfer during convective drying of wood with microwave heating

Abstract

A three-dimensional model is proposed to describe the heat and mass transport process in the convective drying of wood with microwave heating. The model is based on the conservation of mass and energy and uses parameter values from the literature. Experimental results obtained for temperature profiles during the drying of wood samples are compared with model results. Satisfactory agreement is obtained over a range of drying air temperatures, moisture content, and velocities. It is concluded that higher microwave power results in larger exchange potentials, leading to the evaporation of water from wood. By increasing microwave power, the moisture within wood can absorb more energy and result in higher temperatures and evaporation rate.