DESIGN OPTIMIZATION OF CONVECTIVE DRIERS BY USING SPREADSHEETS

The optimal design of a convective drier is hereby considered by means of using a well-known spreadsheet: Microsoft Excel 5.0(TM). The degre e of freedom analysis enabled a non linear equations system to be set up, in such a way that it was possible for different design variables to be considered. The equations system was keyed in to provide a possi ble solution via the iterative procedure built in the spreadsheet. Oth er complementary variables were computed to provide a unit cost for th e operation, thus occasioning the opportunity of considering an econom ic objective function. Constraint and design variables were identified in the program. By giving initial values to the design variables, and by using the optimization capabilities included in Microsoft Excel 5. 0(TM), an optimal set of values for the design variables was determine d. Finally, the influence of constraint and design variables was analy zed, where both the input air temperature and the relative humidity of exhaust air were binding factors.