Abstract
The aim of the present experimental work is to develop a new approach to utilize the underneath space of stepped basin solar distillation unit for drying agro-commodities. Two major solar applications are integrated to utilize the undesired energy losses. A stepped basin solar distillation-cum-drying unit (SBSD-DU) integrated with a parabolic reflector is thermally and economically analyzed. The effects of flow rates on the performance of distillation and drying unit are also evaluated. The internal and external heat transfer coefficients for distillation unit were found in the range of 56.35–125.28 W/m2oC and 17.54–20.85 W/m2oC, respectively. The distillate output at lower flow rate (50 mL/min) has been observed nearly 15 % higher than at higher water flow rate (65 mL/min). Maximum condensate yield of 3 L/m2/day with maximum energy and availability efficiency of 22.75 % and 2.2 %, have been obtained. Around 80 % moisture on the wet basis has been observed to evaporate from the dried agro-commodities (ginger/bitter gourd/potato slices). The unit cost of the distilled water and dried commodity is calculated as $ 0.0245. The experimental uncertainty is evaluated in the range of 3.99–4.45 %.
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