Wind and radiant solar energy for drying fruits and vegetables

Conference · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · Proc. Annu. Meet. - Am. Sect. Int. Sol. Energy Soc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5601625

Wagner, Jr, C J; Coleman, R L; Berry, R E

The combination of wind with radiant solar energy for drying fruits and vegetables can help promote conservation of food and nonrenewable energy resources. Low-cost, small-scale solar dryers have been developed with the potential for developing larger dryers. These dryers depend on natural air convection to remove moisture. Designing the dryers to incorporate natural wind currents, providing forced air circulation, could increase drying rates. Preliminary studies to provide information for such designs included: (1) comparing drying tests with and without forced air circulation, (2) monitoring wind speeds on-site, and (3) testing wind collecting devices. Average wind speeds during solar periods were higher than air velocities from unassisted air convection in these small food dryers. Drying rates were increased by 6 to 11% when the natural convection dryer was provided with a small electric fan. Either of two wind collecting devices also could increase drying rates.

• Research Organization: US Citrus and Subtropical Products Lab., Winter Haven, FL
• OSTI ID: 5601625
• Report Number(s): CONF-810509-(Vol.1)
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Proc. Annu. Meet. - Am. Sect. Int. Sol. Energy Soc.; (United States) Journal Volume: 4.1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140905*
AIR FLOW
CONVECTION
DRYERS
EQUIPMENT
FLUID FLOW
FOOD PROCESSING
FORCED CONVECTION
GAS FLOW
PROCESSING
SOLAR DRYERS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
TESTING
WIND