Software-based energy management system for an infrared dryer

Abstract

A software program was developed which is capable of controlling a hybrid convective-infrared dryer that had previously been designed and developed using sixteen ceramic far-infrared heaters. The dryer was developed for the drying of fruit and only the infrared heaters are subjected to temperature control. The control mechanism uses sixteen buck converters to attain individual control of each infrared heater. The software program in LabView was designed which would be able to regulate the buck converters. The fully automated and user-friendly software program is capable of developing and maintaining a temperature profile.