Title: Energy efficiency of blower heater non-purge compressed air dryers

Authors: Alexandra Botts; Bhaskaran Gopalakrishnan; Ashish Nimbarte; Kenneth R. Currie; Vivash Karki

Addresses: Department of Industrial Management Systems Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA ' Department of Industrial Management Systems Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA ' Department of Industrial Management Systems Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA ' Department of Industrial Management Systems Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA ' Department of Industrial Management Systems Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA

Abstract: This research focuses on twin tower regenerative closed loop desiccant dryers, specifically: blower heater non-purge (BHNP) with and without cooling water pumps, compressed-air heater purge (CHP), blower heater purge (BHP) and pressure swing heaterless (PSH). The research was conducted by collecting and analysing real time current draw data on air compressors and associated dryers at eight different facilities (13 air compressors) in terms of energy, power and cost. A decision tool was developed to depict the operational characteristics (power, energy and cost) of each type of dryer if used in conjunction with the selected compressor system. Finally, this research, on an equivalent normalised basis, compared and contrasted the different types of dryers in terms of performance and cost. The research concluded that of the five types of desiccant dryer types observed the most energy efficient was the BHNP (with cooling water pump), subject to the operational conditions.

Keywords: compressed air dryers; energy efficiency; desiccant dryers; energy consumption; energy intensity; compressed air; twin tower regenerative closed loop desiccant dryers; blower heater non-purge; BHNP.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETP.2021.116321

International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy, 2021 Vol.17 No.3, pp.239 - 262

Received: 09 Jun 2020
Accepted: 17 Sep 2020
Published online: 20 Jul 2021 *

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