Abstract
This paper presents the design, simulation and optimization of a mixed-mode solar dryer based on the climatic data of location Kigali and mangoes were used as a reference product. The model was simulated using TRNSYS software for thermal analysis and the results was shown on a graph which presents the useful temperature gain for drying. The results were used for solar drying simulation to evaluate its performance in terms of drying rate, here MATLAB was utilized for this. It is clear on the graph how the moisture content of mangoes decreases with time up to 10%, which is their equilibrium moisture level for safe storage. The optimization of the model was further done with the modification of the solar dryer by making the front wall of the drying chamber with a glass which adds a greenhouse effect, hence a further increase in drying temperature. The solar drying simulation was again carried out and a clear difference in drying time was observed in the drying rate graph where the time of moisture content removal was reduced from 24 hours to 10 hours.
Highlights
In many countries of the world, the use of thermal systems in the agricultural area to conserve vegetables, fruits and other crops has shown to be practical, economical and responsible approach environmentally
Open Sun drying is the most common methodology utilized in tropical countries for the drying of agricultural product, foodstuff etc
Preheated air warmed during its flow through a low-pressure thermal solar energy, air heater, is addicted to the drying chamber to dry the product
Summary
In many countries of the world, the use of thermal systems in the agricultural area to conserve vegetables, fruits and other crops has shown to be practical, economical and responsible approach environmentally. Dryers have been developed and used to dry agricultural products in order to improve shelf life. Most of these either use an expensive source of energy such as electricity or a combination of solar energy and other form of energy. Despite the fact that the method is easy, it suffers from the disadvantages like insect infestation, microbic contamination etc Products dried during this approach are unhealthful and typically unsuitable for human consumption. The main limitation of the solar dryer is that it works only if the sun is shining It may be mitigated by storing excess energy throughout the peak time and use it in off-sunshine hours or once the energy accessibility is inadequate [1]
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