A research on development of a fixed solar dryer with a practical research

Abstract

Solar energy heating apparatus to dry food and other crops that can enhance the quality of the product while reducing the wasted product. Drying is an eminent way to preserve the food and solar energy food drying is an approximate food preservation mechanism for a sustainable real world. This fixed solar dryer has the capacity of 15 kg which is used for the preservation, drying of grapes, potatoes, onions, mango pulp, chilies, green leafy vegetables, jack fruit pulp, green pepper, herbal medicines, ginger etc., more than 50 kinds have been dried using this solar dryer at various AKRUTI’S. Drying will generally refers to the removal of moisture content by evaporation rather than by pressure or other physical parameters. Our country is blessed with ample of solar energy round the year. The principle of this dryer is that, hot air is lighter than the cool air and its raises up the altitude. While raising this warm air comes in contact with food slices and draws the moisture from it. The repeated cycle of this process makes it a low cost, very healthy, long term investment. Generally the sun’s power of heat is used to dry up the moisture content of the fruits or vegetables.