Optimization of Flat Plate Solar Dryer using Taguchi Method

Abstract

Solar form of energy is the most broadly used renewable forms around the globe. The present paper includes the utilization of solar energy in drying food item using a flat plate solar dryer. The experiment is carried with every hour interval and the readings are noted down. The study comprises of timing from morning 9 am to evening 6pm. Around 10 kg of chilli is utilized for the drying purpose. The outcome results were optimized using Taguchi method to identify the optimum configurations for the drying effect. The result shows that, Ambient temperature as 35.5 OC value of air velocity Ambient Relative Humidity as 67.4(%) and Exhaust temperature as 54.2 OC after optimization. Also, the maximum intensity of solar rays are obtained during the daytime at 1 pm.