Construction and Testing of Solar Drying System as an Alternative to Sun Drying

Background: The traditional practice of sun-drying food grains has been utilised since ancient times, taking advantage of the sun as a primary energy source. However, sun drying presents challenges due to the relatively modest intensity of sunlight at the Earth's surface and the risks posed by pests and environmental factors. Method: This study involved the construction of a solar dryer measuring 4 ft by 2 ft, designed as a hygienic, environmentally friendly alternative to open sun drying. A comparative drying experiment was conducted using a 7.0 kg mass of pepper, which was dried simultaneously in the solar dryer and through traditional sun drying methods. During the five days, temperature and weight loss were measured at various intervals in both drying environments. Results: The data revealed that, on average, the temperature inside the solar dryer exceeded the ambient temperature by 25°C, representing a 46.1% increase. This significant temperature differential demonstrates the effectiveness of the solar dryer in enhancing the drying process. Conclusion: The findings indicated that the solar dryer provides a safe and clean method for food drying and considerably improves drying efficiency compared to traditional sun drying. This approach represented a promising alternative to food preservation practices.