Abstract
This work aimed to develop and evaluate a mixed-mode continuous solar dryer for plaster molds for the local craft ceramics industry to reduce the drying time during the pottery manufacturing process. This novel design reduces time and movements in the manufacturing line. Indirect solar energy is used to complement direct solar energy; such a combination allows the continuous drying process to meet the energy requirements and optimize solar energy expenses. The experimental results show that the average evaporation rate is 0.7 kg/hr, the average energy consumption is 2.57 MJ/kg-H2O-evaporated, and the drying time is 4 days. The actual drying time represents 20% to 29% of the total foregoing time employed by Morelos-Mexico craft potters. This finding indicates that the dryer continuously works using 66.4% indirect and 33.6% direct solar energy, thereby entailing lower expenses than traditional continuous drying processes.
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