Behavior of a portable solar dryer for pineapple fiber

Róger Moya,Marco Solano

doi:10.1590/s1413-70542012000600009

Róger Moya, Marco Solano

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s1413-70542012000600009

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Abstract

In Costa Rica, there has been a growing interest to use pineapple fiber from plant, for which current processes need to be improved or new processes need to be developed, with emphasis on drying methods. This work presents the design and evaluation of the behavior of a prototype portable solar dryer in four sites of Costa Rica. The design describes the main parts of the dryer, as well as how they were constructed. The behavior was evaluated according to temperature and relative humidity inside e outside the chamber, and the influence of direct and indirect solar radiation. In order to achieve improved dryer efficiency, a dehumidifier was used to control relative humidity, and a heating system was implemented during the hours of low temperature, low solar radiation and high relative humidity. Based on drying time, final moisture content of fibers of pineapple leaves from plant, and the varying hours when fibers were put to dry, the evaluation of the dryer revealed that the best fiber-drying interval is from 6h00 to 14h00, and after that, it is convenient to inject hot air and use a dehumidifier in the dryer in order to increase its efficiency.

Highlights

Costa Rica has recently developed an interest in using the pineapple plant (ULLOA et al, 2004)
Solar energy drying systems have gained popularity (EKECHUKWU; NORTON, 1999), since it is an ecological alternative in agricultural production (COSTALES, 2010)
The highest IRH was obtained in Río Cuarto, where dehumidifier was not used

Summary

Introduction

Costa Rica has recently developed an interest in using the pineapple plant (ULLOA et al, 2004). Costa Rica has used different drying systems such as drying with electric ovens, or from the combustion of gas, petroleum or firewood (COSTALES, 2010). Air drying is the most widely used system, with the disadvantage of reaching moisture content (MC) levels between 18 and 24%, depending on the geographic region (SALAS et al, 2008). Solar energy drying systems have gained popularity (EKECHUKWU; NORTON, 1999), since it is an ecological alternative in agricultural production (COSTALES, 2010). There are many solar drying examples, such as for timber (SALAS et al, 2008) and for a great variety of food commodities (JANJAI et al, 2006; ZHIMIN et al, 2006; LOTFALIAN et al, 2010)

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Conclusion