Numerical modeling of heat and mass transfer in porous medium during combined hot air, infrared and microwaves drying

This study deals with numerical modeling of the hygrothermal behaviour of a rectangular-shaped porous material during combined drying. This material is submitted on its upper side both a hot air flow as well as infrared and microwave radiations. The one-dimensional physical model describing heat and mass transfers allows accessing temperature, moisture content and pressure fields. Energy inputs induced by the electromagnetic radiation are determined by the Lambert–Beer law. Comparison of experimental and simulated results on cellular concrete shows the relevance of this model for studies on combined drying.