Energy Conservation of a Rotary Dryer by Integrating Local Climatic Design Conditions Through a Proposed IoT Control System

This research investigated the potential for energy conservation in the operation of a rotary dryer, integrating local climatic design conditions through Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The purpose of this study was to optimize the energy efficiency of the rotary dryer, a widely used equipment for drying various materials. In the methodology, the researchers utilized an energy conservation process plan model whereby, a design process calculation was undergone in the design of the rotary dryer. Here, sensitivity analysis was carried out to determine how changes in the input parameters affect the output parameters which, in turn, were used as basis in the design of the rotary dryer. Locally derived hourly design conditions for dry bulb temperature were simulated and used to determine the hourly thermal efficiency. Research findings indicated that the use of local climate temperature data in the rotary dryer through IoT for monitoring and control, led to a potential increase in energy efficiency by 4.3%, as computed by means of descriptive statistics, than when using the usual approach. The researchers concluded that the proposed IoT system enables the rotary dryer to operate optimally even during extreme temperature conditions. This research had a potential to contribute to the growing field of smart technology in achieving a more energy efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes involving rotary dryer use.