Abstract
In this study, mixed mode forced convection solar tunnel drying was tested and compared with open sun-drying of orange peels. The drying data obtained from the experimentation were subjected to eleven different mathematical models to check their goodness of fit. Among these models, Midilli and Kucuk model for the solar tunnel and open sun drying was found to be the best explicate thin layer drying model. The energy and exergy analysis throughout the drying process was estimated by using the first and second law of thermodynamics. Energy utilisation ratio of solar tunnel varied in the range of 7.03 to 36.31%. However, the average exergetic efficiency was found to be 42.01%. Thus, on an average 57.99% of available energy was wasted in the dryer. The results obtained from exergy analysis help to determine the real potential of the dryer and to provide useful information to further enhance the system performance.
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