Experimental study on the effects of air velocity, temperature and depth on low-temperature bed drying of forest biomass residue

Experiments are carried out for a wood chip bed dryer with a perforated floor. Methodology for the calculation of a benefit-cost ratio is created and validated with experimental results. Statistical analysis was performed and empirical models with non-linear multivariate correlation equations describing the drying rate, and the benefit-cost ratio were developed. With the appropriate adjustments this methodology can be used for the economic evaluation of a biomass dryer. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.