Title: Advancements in solar dryer technology: the development of a novel multipurpose hybrid solar dryer for efficient drying of horticultural crops

Authors: M.L. Attanda; O.E. Olawolu; O.R. Aderibigbe; T.M. Fasuan

Addresses: National Horticultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 5432, Idi-Ishin, Jericho, Ibadan, Nigeria ' National Horticultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 5432, Idi-Ishin, Jericho, Ibadan, Nigeria ' National Horticultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 5432, Idi-Ishin, Jericho, Ibadan, Nigeria ' National Horticultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 5432, Idi-Ishin, Jericho, Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract: This research developed and tested a novel multipurpose hybrid solar dryer for drying crops. The hybrid dryer was used to dry three common horticultural materials - tomato slices, plantain slices, and sliced ugu leaves which served as indicators to evaluate the dryer's performance. The study designed and built the solar dryer, with collector efficiency calculated using standard equations. Results showed the hybrid solar dryer demonstrated superior drying efficiency compared to conventional methods for all tested crops. Statistical analysis indicated significantly faster drying rates in samples dried in the solar component alone, with an F-value of 128 and a p-value of 0.0002. Average drying rates were also significantly higher in samples dried using the hybrid component, with an F-value of 100.54 and a p-value of 0.0003. Drying times ranged from 20-22 hours when using solar drying alone, and 6-18 hours when using the hybrid system, with corresponding increases in average drying rates. These findings suggest the hybrid solar dryer could substantially reduce post-harvest losses of agricultural produce, especially in regions where food loss is a major concern. This represents an important advancement in renewable drying technology with significant implications for the agricultural sector.

Keywords: hybrid; drying; horticultural crops; multipurpose; solar dryer.

DOI: 10.1504/IJAITG.2024.142673

International Journal of Agriculture Innovation, Technology and Globalisation, 2024 Vol.4 No.2, pp.146 - 168

Received: 31 Jan 2024
Accepted: 06 Mar 2024
Published online: 15 Nov 2024 *

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