Development and performance evaluation of mixed-mode solar dryer with forced convection

Based on preliminary investigations under controlled condition of drying experiments, a mixed-mode solar dryer with forced convection using smooth and rough plate solar collector was constructed. This paper describes the development of dryer considerations followed by the results of experiments to compare the performance of the smooth and the roughed plate collector. The thermal performance of solar collector was found to be poorer because of low convective heat transfer from the absorber plate to air. Artificial rib roughness on the underside of the absorber plate has been found to considerably enhance the heat transfer coefficient. The absorber plate of the dryer attained a temperature of 69.2°C when it was studied under no-load conditions. The maximum air temperature in the dryer, under this condition, was 64.1°C. The dryer was loaded with 3 kg of grapes having an initial moisture content of 81.4%, and the final desired moisture content of 18.6% was achieved within 4 days while it was 8 days for open sun drying. This prototype dryer was designed and constructed to have a maximum collector area of 1.03 m². This solar dryer been be used in experimental drying tests under various loading conditions.