Evaluation of PAU Domestic Solar Dryer
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Author:S. Kulanthaisami, R. Mahendiren, P. Subramanian, P. Venkatachalam and A. Sampathrajan
p-ISSN:0024-9602, e-ISSN:2582-5321, Vol:97, Issue:apr-jun
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.10.100377
Abstract
A solar dryer (PAU domestic model) was evaluated with sapota, chilli and bitter-gourd. It is a
natural convection type with a capacity of 15 kg (Aperture area - 0.36 m2, No. of trays -3, 620(w)
x 620(l) x 350(h) mm and weight 17 kg). Sapota, chilli and bitter- gourd were dried and comparison
was made on moisture content, drying time and drying efficiency. Results show an initial
moisture contents of the three products with 74.0, 56.0 and 89.0 per cent reduced to 6.10-6.50
percent in 19, 27 and 16 hours on an average global radiation plane of solar collector 550 W/m2,
580 W/m2 and 580 W/m2 respectively. Over all efficiency of the system while drying the sapota,
chilli and bitter-gourd was found to be 25, 28 and 26 per cent respectively. Solar dried food
produce will fetch higher value due to its quality compared to traditionally (open sun) dried
produce
Key words : Domestic solar dryer, sapota, chilli, bitter-gourd, moisture content, drying time