DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF A DOUBLE-SIDED INCLINED MIXED-MODE SOLAR DRYER FOR SUSTAINABLE POST-HARVEST PROCESSING

The development and performance evaluation of a double-sided inclined mixed-mode solar dryer for sustainable post-harvest drying in developing regions are presented in this work. Constructed using locally available materials, it consists of two solar collectors, a drying chamber, and a solar store. The dryer was designed for a maximum load of 60 kg and integrates indirect solar drying modes with two collectors to optimize solar capture. It was tested in Akure, Nigeria (Latitude 7.25°N, Longitude 5.08°E). Thermal performance and drying efficiency were evaluated under both no-load and load conditions using yam, fish, pepper, and okra. The measured parameters were temperatures and weights. The products were weighed before and after drying each day to determine the moisture loss. Results showed an average drying chamber temperatures ranging between 35 and 60°C, at 28°C ambient temperature. It hasachieved an overall average exergetic efficiency of 46.35% witha collector efficiency of 69.09%. Nutritional analysis indicated enhanced nutrient preservation over open sun drying having protein content of 5.96%. This innovation supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) through passive, low-cost, efficient energy use for food preservation.