Abstract
Utilizing rice husk biomass for drying corn is an alternative solution for drying corn in direct sunlight. This is done through the conversion of thermal energy with heat-exchanging furnaces. This model provides opportunity that the drying process is independently of the weather condition and gain more hygienic products. In addition, it creates energy independence through the use of waste that has an energy value is quite high. Utilization of rice husks by optimizing the performance of heat exchangers through the application of stainless-steel pipes. The diameter of the pipes varies, namely 1 inch, ¾ inch, and ½ inch. The conventional dryer design has dimensions of drying chamber (600 × 536 x 536) mm3 and furnace (800 × 500 x 500) mm3. Nine of heat exchanger pipes are arranged in parallel to one air flow path. The results show the utilization of rice husk biomass provides satisfactory performance on drying 4 kg of corn. The average temperature of the drying chamber, which is based on the outlet temperature of the heat exchanger pipes diameter of 1 inch, ¾ inch, and ½ inch are 91.20 ± 0.70 °C, 73.95 ± 0.65 °C, and 58.27 ± 0.48 °C, respectively.