DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF SOLAR DRYER FOR HIGH POTENTIAL AGRO-PRODUCE IN MIDWEST REGION OF NIGERIA

Abstract

Solar drying utilizes sun energy to heat air for the drying of materials. It enhances preservation and shelf life of agricultural-produce. The limitations of the conventional open sun drying which include direct exposure to sun rays, animal attack, improper hygiene and unpredictable rainfall, necessitated the development of a forced draft solar dryer to mitigate such setbacks using locally sourced materials. The produced dryer comprises of solar collector, fan and drying chamber with tray racks. Air from the DC powered fan is heated up in the collector and channelled to the drying chamber where it aids drying. Design and analysis were done with consideration of the geographical region and period under review. Meteorological data for relative humidity, solar irradiation, wind speed and ambient temperature were obtained using standard equipment. The topography, direction, and maximum solar irradiance impinging on the solar collector were determined by measuring the angle of tilt which was a major factor in the drying process. Test procedures carried out with drying of yam, cassava and plantain chips within the given period showed that average temperature of the dryer was 45°C and average ambient temperature was 39.4°C. Drying was completed in 2 to 3 days with the dryer, while open sun drying was completed in 5 or more days. Fabrication and testing of the machine was carried out in a given planting and harvesting period (October to December) in the Midwest southern region of Nigeria hence, data recorded for the period under review will be helpful to farmers in forecasting weather trends and enable them carry out agricultural processing effectively. The rapid rate of drying in the dryer showed it is efficient in the drying of agricultural produce.

Keywords

• solar drying
• solar irradiance
• temperature
• humidity
• south Nigeria

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