Performance Evaluation of a Simple Solar Dryer for Food Preservation

Abstract

This paper presents the design, construction and testing of a simple solar dryer for food preservation. Its construction was accomplished using mainly inexpensive locally available materials to make it relatively affordable to the average poor farmer dwelling in the rural area. The dryer temperature was found to be above the ambient temperature by an average of 51 % throughout the day-light time and the temperature rise was up to 75 % for about three hours immediately after 12.00 h (noon). The drying rate and the system efficiency were 0.46 kg/h and 59 % respectively. The rapid rate of drying in the dryer reveals its ability to dry food items reasonably rapidly to a safe moisture level and simultaneously it ensures a superior quality of the dried product. The results obtained indicate that solar dryers have a future especially in food preservation.