Solar energy to be transformed for production

Recently, the steam drying system and combusting system used in wood drying have been improved; however, the carbonic emission of this industry seem to be relatively high with much energy consumption. To resolve this, Associate Professor and Ph.D. Hua Thi Huan, Director of Caxe Thermal and Environmental Engineering Co. Ltd. at Dong Hoa Ward in Di An Town, initiated to transform solar energy to support the wood drying system with high preliminary success.

Efficiency

On realizing that the wood drying industry may consume much energy and pollute the environment, Mrs. Hua Thi Thuan and her elite partners in domestic wood processing and drying industry have done their research on making use of solar energy in wood and handicraft drying. Huan informed that the climate in the territory of our nation from longitude 20 down to the equator is hot and endured with long sunny days, making it very effective to make use of the solar energy which is naturally made and not polluting the environment. Besides, by using solar energy, the drying system will not cause environment pollution as well as saving more than 60% of energy use, reducing 50% of drying costs while assuring time and quality of drying for wood of 40 to 50mm thickness. The capacity is equivalent to dryer using steam but the cost is truly lower.

The model of CAXE-2012 is in operation. Photo: H. Pham

Technology reforms

The dryer making use of solar energy has been implemented since 2012 (or CAXE-2012). Through the test operation and installation for enterprises, Huan and her experts have acquired feedbacks from their counterparts to improve and refine the solar energy dryer. Huan said that the actual implementation shows the efficiency on hard to be dried wood in accordance with their thickness specifications, requiring slow humidity emission. The dried wood is up to standards without being discolored.

Currently, Caxe Environmental and Thermal Engineering Co. Ltd. has implemented installation and operations of solar energy dryer for various enterprises in Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Ria – Vung Tau and some Southeast Asia enterprises.

“For the time to come, the Company will implement researches to innovate the dryer as well as solar energy drying engineering in accordance with localities and measures for preservation of other finished products,” said Huan.

Reported by Hoang Pham – Translated by Vi Bao