Modelling and Simulation of Forced Convection Drying of Electric Insulators

Abstract The aim of the present works is to develop a model, implemented in a drying simulator, for describing the heat and mass transfer processes taking place inside the electric insulator body and the hot air surrounding it. Drying systems optimization and control relies on the capability of modelling these phenomena as they directly guide the way process manipulated variables have to be changed in time. The complex time evolution and spatial distribution of moisture content and temperature of the drying product associated to the temperature, velocity and humidity of the drying medium are predicted by the proposed model. The 3D model has been developed for dynamic simulation conditions. Experimental data, associated to literature records, have been used to fit parameters of the developed model that will be further used in the industrial unit for operation optimization and control purposes.