ThermAvant’s Advanced Drying Technologies: Revolutionizing the Industry
At ThermAvant International, we're leading the way in thermal management innovation. Our advanced drying technologies are setting new standards in efficiency, sustainability, and performance, making a significant impact across industries. Discover how our cutting-edge solutions are transforming traditional drying processes into highly efficient, eco-friendly systems.
Although traditional wood dryers have a low installation cost, the operation cost is high because
the heating process accounts for over 55% of end-use onsite energy. Although vacuum dryers can
reduce the operation cost from a typical value of $185/MBF for a conventional dryer to $60/MBF,
the capital cost is relatively high compared with ThermAvant’s innovative dryer at $21/MBF.
Also, vacuum dryers suffer from four technical shortcomings:
1) the vacuum drying is not adapted
properly to improve product quality;
2) the current technology has uneconomical drying times due
to the absence of optimal drying that requires many conditions to be adjusted;
3) the energy added
in the drying vessel is not used efficiently to reduce the energy consumption;
4) the current
technology is mainly gas-fired or biomass-fired that contributes to carbon emissions with high
operating cost.
Thus, enhancing the energy efficiency, improving product quality, and reducing
the emissions are challenges that need to be solved to significantly benefit energy conservation
and greenhouse gas reduction, and hence achieving the Federal Sustainability Plan, which aims to
reach zero emissions by 2050.
1. The Evaporation-Condensation Drying-Dehumidifying Closed Cycle
ThermAvant's dryers leverage a unique evaporation-condensation drying-dehumidifying closed cycle. This system is designed to recover thermal energy released during vapor condensation and recycle it back into the drying process. The closed evaporation-condensation drying-dehumidifying system with the superheated vapor as the heat transfer media can effectively and efficiently heat up lumber with a high level of temperature uniformity.
2. Minimizing Temperature Differences for Maximum Efficiency
Our technology minimizes the temperature difference between evaporation (drying) and condensation (dehumidifying), leading to a more efficient drying process. By reducing entropy production, we further increase the system COP and achieve a high level of temperature uniformity, ensuring optimal drying without compromising wood quality.
3. Eco-Friendly and High Thermal Efficiency
ThermAvant's dryers are designed with the environment in mind. Utilizing a vapor-compression cycle enhanced by an ejector, our systems pump additional thermal energy from ambient air or an elevated energy storage system. This results in significantly higher energy efficiency, reducing both operational costs and CO2 emissions.
4. Seamless Integration with Existing Systems
Our innovative dryers can be easily integrated into existing conventional dryers or kilns without the need for extensive system retrofitting. This allows for a direct replacement of gas-fired or biomass-fired boilers, offering substantial reductions in operational costs and carbon emissions.
5. Full Utilization of Both Hot and Cold Thermal Energy
In our closed-loop system, both "hot" and "cold" thermal energy are fully utilized. The thermal energy used to heat and dry lumber is simultaneously employed to condense moisture, creating a highly efficient process that further boosts system performance.
6. Shortened Drying Time with No Wood Cracking
A significant challenge in traditional wood drying is preventing cracking due to thermal stress. Our advanced drying system efficiently removes moisture from lumber while maintaining a high level of temperature uniformity, significantly reducing the risk of cracking and ensuring high-quality results.
7. Highly Efficient and Compact Evaporators
ThermAvant’s dryers feature compact evaporators that utilize thin-film evaporation to maximize heat transfer. This innovative design results in higher energy efficiency and a reduced system size, making our dryers both powerful and space-efficient.
8. Reduced Vacuum Pump Power Consumption
In our system, the vacuum pump is used primarily to remove non-condensable gases, significantly reducing power consumption. The moisture flow from the drying vessel to the condenser is managed by the evaporation-condensation closed loop, similar to a heat pipe, making the process more energy-efficient and cost-effective.
9. Advanced AI-Driven Control System
ThermAvant’s dryers are equipped with a novel control system powered by advanced algorithms and AI. This system smart-learns optimal operating conditions based on wood type, drying requirements, and ambient conditions. It ensures minimal energy consumption and operational costs while maintaining the highest quality of wood products.
10. Freshwater as a By-Product
Our dryers also offer the unique benefit of producing freshwater as a by-product. For example, a typical dryer with a load capacity of 4,000 Board Feet can generate up to 294,000 gallons of fresh water annually. This added value makes ThermAvant’s technology not only efficient but also environmentally beneficial.
Driving Innovation Forward
At ThermAvant International, we believe in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in thermal management. Our dryers represent the next generation of drying technology, combining innovative design, advanced control systems, and sustainable practices. Join us in revolutionizing the industry and driving towards a more efficient, eco-friendly future.
