Solar food dryer

Abstract

Solar thermal systems is a practical, economical and the responsible approach environmentally for drying operation, which is applicable to almost all the agricultural product. By means of that, in this project, Solar Food Dryer developed by applying only solar energy to improve the drying process in this country. It begins with identifying customer requirements hence product specifications and patent search to avoid any illegal problems. It proceeds with the development of four designs concept, before been selected in design concept selection using concept screening and scoring. After the best design selected, the suitable materials is choose using Design for Manufacture (DFM) analysis. Followed by, the prototyping of the product with phases-by-phases development. After complete product developed, the product tested by conducting four situation of experiment with different types of roof and the presence of Auto Vent II. The best situation is Solar Food Dryer with Perspex roof and Auto Vent II based on the increasing temperature (ºC) and decreasing humidity taken using Hygrometer Testo 608-H1. To prove the result, the real experiment with materials, which are green apple and fish, is tested, and the drying rate increased up to 30 %.