Análisis del uso de un secador solar para madera en la ciudad de Cuenca

Abstract

The drying of wood is a fundamental activity for the development of the wood and furniture industry. There are two ways to dry the wood: The first is the natural dry, where the water contained in the wood evaporates naturally, and the second way to dry wood is the artificial drying that is done through the use of equipment and suitable facilities known as conventional dryers, where the water is removed by controlling the temperature, humidity, and ventilation. From an introduction on the wood and its characteristics, a diagnosis of the situation of the wood and furniture industry is presented in the city of Cuenca and its surroundings, highlighting the importance of the drying process and the need to obtain dry wood to be used in this industry. The objective of this work is the development of a proposal for the manufacture of a Solar Dryer for wood where a study is made on its design, functions, and cost. The use of this technology is a real option for its development because there is technical knowledge, and there are climatic conditions suitable for its development. The operation of a solar dryer has characteristics similar to conventional dryers, for this it controls parameters such as initial humidity and final, drying time. In addition, a comparison of the materials, equipment and fuels with which conventional dryers and solar dryers are manufactured and operated. An evaluation of the costs of operation of the conventional dryer is realized. Solar dryer, analyzing fuel consumption, electrical energy and total operating costs between the proposed drying equipment and the conventional drying equipment, all in terms of similar production conditions.