Performance study of a solar greenhouse dryer

Abstract

Protection against environmental and bacterial contamination, lack of cost effective and energy efficient drying techniques, need for greater moisture removal, shorter drying times and better dried quality product have necessitated the use of solar greenhouse drying for many applications. The present paper analyses the dryer performance in open sun dried (OSD) conditions and in solar greenhouse drying unit. Fig and bitter gourd were dried and their quality monitored for dryer performance. Results indicate quicker drying and better quality of figs in solar greenhouse drying.