Design and performance analysis of a PV-powered solar-infrared hybrid dryer for anchovy fish drying

Autor: Ragasudha, R., Karthickumar, P., Murali, S., Pradeep, R., Rathnakumar, K., Mercy Amrita, C., Babiyola, D., Manimehalai, N.
Zdroj: Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery; 20240101, Issue: Preprints p1-12, 12p
Abstrakt: The study emphasizes on the development and evaluation of a PV-powered solar-infrared hybrid dryer (SIHD) for the uninterrupted drying of anchovy fish irrespective of weather conditions and grid connectivity. The SIHD dryer was designed to utilize solar energy as the main source of heat for drying during sunshine hours and an infrared lamp as backup during overcast conditions. It consists of a cylindrical drying chamber, infrared (IR) lamp, drying trays, solar PV panel, battery, and a remote monitoring system. The performance of SIHD was evaluated using anchovy by assessing drying kinetics, drying efficiency, and sensory attributes of the dried product and comparing it with solar and open sun drying. A remote data acquisition unit with a controller and sensors was integrated with the SIHD to obtain drying data and maintain desired drying conditions. The moisture of anchovy is reduced from 83.7 (w.b.) to 15.2% (w.b.) in 6.25 h by SHID, while it takes 10.30 h in a solar dryer and 16.20 h in the open sun drying to achieve the moisture content of 15.3% (w.b.) and 15.5% (w.b.), respectively. The maximum drying efficiency of 30.43% and 41.11% was obtained for solar and solar-infrared hybrid drying, respectively. The dried samples obtained from the solar infrared hybrid dryer received the highest overall acceptability score with superior color and texture. Hence, the outcome of the present study helps to understand the new and innovative approach of using solar-IR hybrid technology in the drying process for controlled and efficient drying with scope for large-scale adoption possibilities.
Databáze: Supplemental Index