Development of a Photovoltaic Powered Forced Convection Solar Dryer

This solar conversion system incorporates a suction fan powered by a solar PV module. Located at the outlet of the chamber is the d.c suction fan utilised to achieve forced air circulation without the use of external power supply like grid electricity, fossil fuel and battery. Simple thermal energy balance equations and heat transfer equations were employed in the design of the system. The operational efficiency of the collector is 83.2% and mass flow rate 1.58kg/min, the maximum temperature achieved in the chamber was 58oC. The system was used to dry vegetable, hydrophylum. The capital cost is less than $150.