Drying systems are examined from the perspectives of energy, exergy, environmental impact, sustainability
and economics, with a focus on how they can help make drying systems more sustainable. Reductions
possible through exergy analysis in energy use and environmental emissions and increase in sustainability
are discussed in detail and highlighted with a case study. It is demonstrated with the case study that
exergy efficiencies normally are lower than energy efficiencies due to exergy destructions and losses.
The importance of using exergy analysis to obtain more realistic and meaningful assessments than are
obtained with energy analysis of the efficiency and performance of drying systems is demonstrated. The
results indicate that exergy can play a significant role in achieving more efficient, environmentally benign,
sustainable and economic energy use in drying systems.