Development and Experimental Analysis of a Solar Cum Electrical Food Dryer

The most preferred method for preserving food or related products for a long time period is drying. In various countries of the world, the utilization of solar thermal systems in the field of agricultural for conserving fruits, vegetables, coffee and other related crops has revealed to be economical, practical, and environmental friendly. Solar heating systems to dry food and other crops can improve the quality of the product, while reducing wasted produce. This paper deals with development of solar cum eclectically operated food dryer. The fabrication of hybrid dryer is carried out which will be used for the drying process. The amounts of solar radiations are collected through transparent sheet or glass and they are entered in to dryer. Then, amount of heat will get generated in dryer and it will be circulated through fan in dryer itself which will be suitable for drying purpose. The experimentation is also carried out on two foods related to drying process at normal temperature and using this dryer obtained temperature. After experimentation it has been observed that there is difference in temperature at outside the dryer and inside the dryer. The temperature generated inside the dryer is sufficient for drying purpose. So, the developed food dryer can be used for drying the foods as per requirement.