Performance of Prototype Solar Tunnel Drier Developed by University of Hohenheim Under Local Environmental Conditions in Sri Lanka

  • Amunugoda P.N.R.J Food Technology Section, Industrial Technology Institute, No 503/A, Halbarawa Gardens, Thalahena, Malabe, Sri Lanka
  • Wilson Wijeratnam R.S Food Technology Section, Industrial Technology Institute, No 503/A, Halbarawa Gardens, Thalahena, Malabe, Sri Lanka
  • Senanayake S.A.M.A.N.S Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Nawala, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
  • Kulathunga K.D.G Department of Agricultural and Plantation Engineering, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Nawala, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
Keywords: Solar Tunnel Dryer, drying duration, non-solar hours, quality of dried products

Abstract

The solar tunnel dryer developed by University of Hohenheim was studied under local environmental conditions in Sri Lanka to identify necessary improvements so that   marketable dehydrated products could be produced. Batch trials were carried using   jak fruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) and brinjal (Solanum melongena). Temperature, relative humidity and air flow rate during the trial period were recorded. Drying duration, physico-chemical and orgonoleptic parameters of the dehydrated products were determined. The dryer was found to be technically feasible and products are hygienically good compared to the open sun drying. Depending on bad weather conditions drying duration varied between 2- 3 days causing to produce organoleptically unacceptable dehydrated products.  The reasons identified for unacceptable quality were the long dying periods and keeping the materials inside the drying compartment overnight without drying. Therefore, there is a necessity to shorten the drying period together with maintenance of a correct temperature inside the drying compartment during non solar hours to preserve the quality of dried products.

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Published
2021-10-30
How to Cite
P.N.R.J, A., R.S, W. W., S.A.M.A.N.S, S., & K.D.G, K. (2021). Performance of Prototype Solar Tunnel Drier Developed by University of Hohenheim Under Local Environmental Conditions in Sri Lanka. Frontiers in Advanced Materials Research, 3(2), 43-55. https://doi.org/10.34256/famr2125
Section
Articles



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