Solar drying of foods: Modeling and numerical simulation

A simulation code was developed to predict the batch drying performance of a packed bed of particles, e.g. cylinders or slices of carrot, apples, etc., subjected to time-varying air conditions. This model allows for shrinkage of the particles. The time-dependent inlet drying air conditions permit the simulation of the case of a solar dryer in which the inlet air temperature is necessarily a function of the hour of the day. All the parameters involved in the model were obtained independently from experimental solar dryer data. The results compared well with published experimental data for solar drying of diced carrot. Effects of various key parameters of this process are presented and discussed.