Proposal for a novel chemical heat pump dryer

A new chemical heat pump (CHP) system for ecofriendly effective utilization of thermal energy in drying is proposed from the viewpoints of energy savi ng and environmental impact. CHPs can store thermal energy in the form of c hemical energy by an endothermic reaction and release it at various tempera ture levels for heat demands by exo/endothermic reactions. CHPs have potent ial for heat recovery and dehumidification in the drying process by heat st orage and high/low temperature heat release. In this study, we estimate the potential of the CHP application to drying systems for industrial use. Som e combined systems of CHPs and dryers are proposed as chemical heat pump dr yers (CHPD). The potential for commercialization of CHPDs is discussed.