Development and evaluation of thermally efficient solar drier with temperature controller system

Abstract

Post harvest losses account for 10 to 30% due to perishable nature, bad weather or lack of transportation facilities and damage by wild animals resulting in huge loss to the farmers. To reduce post harvest losses an indirect solar drier has been designed with temperature controller to enable the solar drier operational throughout the year as well as for the drying of various crop products. Thermal storage system has also been introduced to increase the efficiency of solar air heater besides providing heat during late hours after sunset. The fans have been provided at the inlet of solar air heater to reduce the humidity of air entering into the solar air collector. The quality parameters of dried products found to be better as compared to oven dried and open sun dried products. The shelf life of dried products has also been enhanced considerably. The solar drier is suitable around the developing countries.