Mathematical modelling of combined process drying by using bond graph approach

The main objective of this work is to quantify the energetic interest of combined drying process of natural products. This method of drying is realised in a climatic wind tunnel, seat of a flow of hot air and in the presence of a radiation source. A mathematical model that describes the phenomena of heat and mass transfers during the drying of a wet agricultural product has been determined by the use of the pseudo-bond graph methodology. Such methodology was very appropriate for this industrial process since it allows good management of the non-linearity present in the system. Some drying tests were realised on tomatoes and experimental results are compared with theoretical results for validation of the developed model.