Performance evaluation of fabricated mixed mode natural convection solar dryer

Abstract

The performance evaluation of mixed mode natural convection solar dryer for drying agricultural products was studied. A mixed mode natural convection solar dryer was designed and fabricated with the locally available materials and commissioned at Sangareddy (17.6294 °N, longitude of 78.0917 °E), Telangana, India. The performance of solar dryer was evaluated through no-load and full-load conditions tests in the summer months. The temperature profile, air humidity of dryer at No-load and full load condition was studied. 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.