Performance Optimization of Cassava Chip Drying Using Greenhouse-Integrated Hot Air Systems for Industrial Applications

This study aimed to optimize the drying performance of cassava chips using a greenhouse-integrated hot air drying system and compare its effectiveness against natural sun drying and an elevated-floor technique. Experiments were conducted using four chip sizes (2.5 to 4.0 cm) and four drying-bed thicknesses (2 to 8 cm), drying behavior, drying rate, thermal efficiency, and specific energy consumption (SEC) were analyzed at hot air temperatures of 40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C. The results indicated that the optimal configuration—chips <2.5 cm with a 2 cm bed thickness at 60 °C—achieved a drying time of 10 h, reducing drying duration by 56.5% and lowering SRC from 9.30 MJ/kg to 4.41 MJ/kg compared to sun drying. The maximum thermal efficiency of 71.60% was achieved with greenhouse-assisted drying. This improvement translates to a 1.36kWh/kg energy saving and a CO2 reduction of 0.82 kg per kg of water removed. This system offers a promising energy-efficient and climate-resilient solution for industrial cassava drying in tropical regions.