Autonomous solar thermal system design for indirect dehydration of Aguaymanto (Physalis Peruviana L.), Junín

Abstract

This paper aimed to design an autonomous indirect solar dryer, which can dehydrate the aguaymanto in a costeffective manner, yielding a quality product suitable for export from the central part highland of Peru. To complete this task, it was proposed to design a prototype of autonomous solar dryer of 100 kg per batch of aguaymanto, equipped with flat reflectors and forced air feed, and powered with photovoltaic energy. This system allows to dry aguaymanto fruit at the requirements needed for its exportation. The fryer has the following dimensions: inner dimensions of the drying chamber: bottom 0.60 m, width 1.40 m, and height 1.10 m, with additional 0.05 m for insulation. Hence, the outer measures are bottom 0.70 m, width 1.50 m, and height 1.20 m. Two solar collectors are proposed with the dimensions of each: 1.50 m wide, 2.40 m long, and 0.15 m height; 2 flat mirror reflectors are required. A 80 Wp photovoltaic panel was selected for the forced air system and process control. This solar dryer is expected to cope with the problem of post-harvest deterioration. Also, it will facilitate the export by improving product quality and providing a cost-effective technology.