Solar Drying Systems

Solar energy has found its widespread use in direct conversion into electricity either by photovoltaic conversion or through thermal energy, reduction in post-harvest losses, and crop drying. Solar Drying Systems analyzes the fundamentals, principles and applications, heat transfer, elements of drying and solar dryer designs, and related modeling and analysis aspects of solar energy. Discusses both technical and policy-related issues Explores up-to-date status reviews of different solar drying systems Reviews the highlights of present and future solar drying options Includes many figures, solved examples, and tables with problems/exercises at the end of each chapter This book is aimed at senior undergraduate and graduate students in energy engineering.

This book offers a comprehensive reference guide to the latest developments and advances in solar drying technology, covering the concept, design, testing, modeling, and economics of solar drying technologies, as well as their impact on the environment. The respective chapters are based on the latest studies conducted by reputed international researchers in the fields of solar energy and solar drying. Offering a perfect blend of research and practice explained in a simple manner, the book represents a valuable resource for researchers, students, professionals, and policymakers working in the field of solar drying and related agricultural applications.

The Solar Food Dryer describes how to use solar energy to dry your food instead of costly electricity. With your own solar-powered food dryer, you can quickly and efficiently dry all your extra garden veggies, fruits and herbs to preserve their goodness all year long-with free sunshine! Applicable to a wide geography-wherever gardens grow-this well illustrated book includes: Complete step-by step plans for building a high-performance, low-cost solar food dryer from readily-available materials solar energy design concepts food drying tips and recipes resources, references, solar charts, and more. - A Mother Earth News Book for Wiser Living -

Evaluation of solar drying potential. Pre-drying processing operations. The mechamisms of drying. Solar radiation. Solar collectors. Solar dryer classification. Direct dryers employing natural convection with separate collector and drying chamber. indirect dryers employing forced convection eith separate collector and drying chamber. Hybrid dryers. Ancillary equipment and recent develpments. Quality assessment. packaging and storage of dried foodstuffs. Dryer selection and design. Experiomental methodology. From theory into practice. Economics. Extension of solar crop drying technology.

Fundamentals of drying processes: drying parameters; Effect of parameters on drying; Characterization of drying; Mechanism of drying; Drying strategy; Technology of solar drying: open-air sun drying; Classification of solar dryers; Simulation model for drying systems: Introduction; Solar air heating systems; Drying processes for food/agricultural products; Relationships and data required for drying simulation models; Recommendations.

Still the Most Complete, Up-To-Date, and Reliable Reference in the FieldDrying is a highly energy-intensive operation and is encountered in nearly all industrial sectors. With rising energy costs and consumer demands for higher quality dried products, it is increasingly important to be aware of the latest developments in industrial drying technolog