Design and development of mixed mode natural convection solar dryer

Abstract

This paper deals with the critical design specifications and field performance of movable type mixed mode natural convection solar dryer for drying agricultural products. A mixed mode natural convection solar dryer was designed and fabricated with the locally available materials and commissioned at Sangareddy (17.6294 °N, 78.0917 °E), Telangana, India for drying agricultural product. The performance of solar dryer was evaluated through no-load and full-load conditions tests in the summer months. The cost economics of the construction of solar dryer was also analysed. Under load conditions, the dryer has been used in experimental drying tests varying from 0.5 kg to maximum capacity of 1.5 kg of agricultural products (grapes, tomatoes). This prototype dryer was designed and constructed to have a maximum collector area of 0.558 m2.