The dehydration tests were conducted at three drying methods to evaluate the drying curves and the energy uptake. Apple (Malus domestica L.) cubes were dried under different processing conditions applying freeze drying (FD), freeze drying assisted by hot air and freeze drying assisted by infrared radiation. Control samples were produced using regular freeze drying without the pre-drying. Hot ai...

Drying of green peas in a Fluidized Bed Dryer (FBD) with inert particle, heated by combined sources of hot air and InfraRed (IR) radiation, has been experimentally and theoretically studied. For this purpose, an experimental set up was constructed. This setup was composed of a cylindrical bed dryer containing some inert particles which are fluidized by hot air. Some infrared lamps were also pla...

Recently builders have shown considerable interest in combining the features of active and passive solar space heating systems into a hybrid system employing active collection and some form of passive discharge/storage device. Ye examined the performance and economics of a hybrid2 air-based, residential system using 18.5 m of roof-mounted air collectors and a hollow-core slab that discharges di...

We describe a simple, compact, inexpensive thermal cycler that can be used for the polymerase chain reaction. Based on heat transfer with air to samples in sealed capillary tubes, the apparatus resembles a recirculating hair dryer. The temperature is regulated via thermocouple input to a programmable set-point process controller that provides proportional output to a solid state relay controlli...

In this paper, kinetic models are discussed with respect to their uses in describing the intrinsic thermal mortality of insect pests. A unique heating block system was used to obtain kinetic information for the thermal mortality of codling moth larvae. The kinetic data demonstrated the possibility to develop high-temperature-short-time thermal treatments to control codling moth and reduce therm...

A multi-zone air-handling unit was popular several decades ago due to the convenience of small sized modular units, which were inexpensive to install and easily maintained in a mechanical room. The cost and convenience proved to be of little benefit as the units perform poorly from an energy usage perspective. A “three-deck” multi-zone unit is a hybrid of its kind, and it can be very efficient ...

In order to improve the overall efficiency of building energy usage, a grey water energy-recovery system, which adopted a multiple-function heat pump system, was proposed for domestic water heating, and space heating and cooling of buildings. A numerical model has been developed for investigation of annual energy and water consumptions of the proposed system and the conventional building energy...

Due to at least two reasons, energy consumption for heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and domestic hot water (DHW) systems should be reduced. First, the total energy consumption is high since nearly 20% of total energy in USA is accounted for HVAC systems. Sencond reason is exploitation of renevable energy sources, which depend on current time and weather situation. Thus, the energy...

A geothermal direct-use project utilizes a natural resource, a flow of geothermal fluid at elevated temperatures, which is capable of providing heat and/or cooling to buildings, greenhouses, aquaculture ponds, and industrial processes. Geothermal utilization requires matching the varied needs of the user and characteristics of the resource in order to development a successful project. Each appl...