Energy Balance Analysis in Paper Drying Process for Large-capacity Heat Pump Application

This study aimed to analyze energy balance of a paper drying process to apply a high-temperature heat pump. Energy consumption for the paper drying process was analyzed in two ways based on paper production data and hood air balance. Paper production data, including product production speed, size, basis weight, and moisture content, were used to analyze moisture evaporation amount and its corresponding energy consumption for drying. In addition, the drying energy consumption used in the paper drying process was analyzed based on data of flow rate, temperature, and humidity of the hood's exhaust/supply air. As a result, the energy consumption calculated by the two methods showed similar values. Based on this result, the amount of steam corresponding to each location in the paper drying process was calculated. Based on the amount of steam, it is expected that process locations that can be replaced by industrial heat pumps can be identified in the future.