Evaluation of an Indirect Solar Dryer with Integrated Heat Exchanger
Abstract
Solar drying, utilizing solar energy to extract moisture from foodstuff, is a highly effective method for extending the shelf life of for instance fruits and vegetables. The utilization of solar dryers brings numerous benefits, e.g., it reduces reliance on fossil fuels and electricity and establishing an environmentally sustainable and relatively cheap option for food preservation. In this research we present key findings from measurements perform on a solar dryer with a built-in heat exchanger. Our solar dryer was constructed with the goal to keep it both as simple and as cheap as possible. The results show that the dryer outperforms open sun drying while simultaneously protecting the food stuff from the surrounding environment. Filling the dryers with more trays, and consequently more food, increases the difference in drying rate between the trays, which could be a concern for the end user as more attention needs to be paid to the drying process. This problem clearly indicates where future research must be carried out, i.e. in reducing this uneven drying.