Design and performance analysis of a mixed mode tent-type solar dryer for fish-drying in coastal areas

The design, development and performance analysis of a mixed mode tent- type solar dryer for drying of fishes is reported. The collector and dryer area were calculated based on the moisture load and local ambient conditions. During the experimental period, maximum collector outlet temperature of 86 °C was attained under no load condition, in natural convection mode. A mathematical model was developed to predict the collector outlet temperature and the energy balance equations were solved using SageMath programming language. No-load performance index (NLPI) was calculated to be 2.11 at average solar radiation of 600 W/m2. The moisture content of the fishes kept in the solar dryer reduced from about 89% to 10% in 18 sunshine hours, whereas, it took 38 h to dry the same in open, as it is done practically in field. A drying model was developed and it fitted well with the Lewis model of drying. The computed value of the diffusivity based on the moisture ratio was found to be 1.53 × 10−7 m2/s. Such a kind of solar dryer would be of significance in coastal communities involved in fish drying, as it would improve throughput and offer a hygienic practice.