Abstract
This work aims to investigate the effect of potato slice sample mass on the performance of a domesticated potato solar dryer (DPSD) under natural and forced convection modes (NC and FC modes). The drying kinetics of potato slices with varying sample masses of 68, 100 and 138 g have been evaluated. The average final moisture content under NC and FC modes was found to be 9.00 and 10.36% (wb), respectively. The drying behaviour of samples was precisely described by the Modified-Henderson and Perry model under both modes. With the increase in sample mass, the drying rate increases and effective moisture diffusivity decreases. The capital cost and embodied energy of the DPSD under NC modes were respectively 22.10% and 44.66% lower than that of the FC mode. With the increase in sample mass under both modes, payback period and energy payback time decrease, while heat transfer coefficients, thermal efficiency and exergy efficiency increase. The performance of the DPSD was observed to vary linearly with the sample mass. This work could help in reducing food waste which could directly contribute to global goals of zero hunger and food security.
