Feasibility of Introducing Solar Air Dryer for Drying Process in Cashew Industries
V.B. Huddar1, M.A. Kamoji2
1V.B. Huddar, Professor, Bearys Institute of Technology, Innoli (Karnataka), India.
2Dr. M.A. Kamoji, Professor, KLE Dr. M.S Sheshgiri CET, Belagavi (Karnataka), India.
Manuscript received on 22 April 2019 | Revised Manuscript received on 01 May 2019 | Manuscript Published on 08 May 2019 | PP: 32-37 | Volume-7 Issue-5S3 February 2019 | Retrieval Number: E11070275S19/19©BEIESP
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© The Authors. Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: Drying is an energy intensive processes in cashew processing industry. High prizes of electricity and interrupted power supply affecting the production is the motivation for this research. The objective is to develop a solar dryer and check its feasibility to adapt in cashew drying. The end conditions of industrial drying are to bring the moisture content from initial ±13% to ±5% maintaining its color and taste. An electrical heater drying system is developed to find energy required to dry one kg of cashew kernel. A solar air heater developed replaces only electrical heater. Experimental results ensure drying within stipulated time of 6 hours and energy consumption of 255 kJ against 270 kJ and 251 kJ of electrical heater drying and industrial steam drying. Study suggests design is feasible to small and cottage industries. The energy savings up to 25,000 kJ per day for a batch of 100 kg is possible.
Keywords: Cashew Kernels, Drying, Energy, Steam, Electricity, Solar.
Scope of the Article: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning