Dynamic Modeling and a Parametric Study of an Indirect Solar Cabinet Dryer

Abstract

A dynamic mathematical model for drying of agricultural products in an indirect cabinet solar dryer is presented. This model describes the heat and mass transfer in the drying chamber and also considers the heat transfer and temperature distribution in a solar collector under transient conditions. For this purpose, using conservation laws of heat and mass transfer and considering the physical phenomena occurring in a solar dryer, the governing equations are derived and solved numerically. The model solution provides an effective tool to study the variation of temperature and humidity of the drying air, drying material temperature, and its moisture content on each tray. The predicted results are compared with available experimental data. It is shown that the model can predict the performance of the cabinet solar dryer in unsteady-state operating conditions well. Furthermore, the effect of some operating parameters on the performance and efficiency of dryer is investigated and compared with selected published data.

Keywords:

• Efficiency
• Mathematical modeling
• Solar cabinet dryer
• Solar energy
• Thermal storage

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors gratefully acknowledge M. Mohanraj and A. Dissa for their permission to use their experimental results in the present article. Special thanks are also extended to M. Mohanraj for sending us details of his experimental setup.