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Journal of Applied Sciences

Year: 2013 | Volume: 13 | Issue: 6 | Page No.: 939-943
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Authors

Aklilu Tesfamichael

Abebayehu Assefa

Keywords

Research Article

Experimental Analysis of Potato Slices Drying Characteristics using Solar Dryer

Aklilu Tesfamichael and Abebayehu Assefa
The objective of the study was to investigate the drying characteristic curves and the drying duration when potato slices dried using natural convection solar dryer. For that sake an experimental setup was developed. Measurements of total solar radiation on the plane of the collector, ambient air temperature and humidity, drying air temperature and relative humidity inside the dryer as well as solid’s moisture loss-in-weight were collected. A data logger was used for data acquisition of all the drying parameters. These data were employed to study the potato slices drying characteristics and its nature. A number of experiments were conducted using potato slices. It was observed that the drying time for 6.3 kg m-2 potato was reduced by about 30% compared to direct sun drying. Furthermore, the potato slices drying rate decreases to zero and hence potato is a hygroscopic material. The dryer inlet temperature was 14-29°C higher than the ambient temperature. The study showed, other than the reduction in the drying time, application of the natural convection solar dryer generates improved quality dried materials than direct sunshine drying. The results could be used as an input for process and product optimization.
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