A SOLAR BIOMASS-BASED HYBRID DRYER FOR AGRO-PRODUCTS

Abstract A hybrid solar biomass dryer uses two sources of energy to produce hot air for drying agricultural products: sunlight as a primary energy source and biomass as a secondary energy source. The dryer system is ideal for continuously drying fruits, spices, herbs, and vegetables. An indirect solar air heater, a biomass heating unit, a drying unit with trays, a blower to circulate air, and a chimney are used in the hybrid solar dryer setup. In the absence of solar radiation, a biomass burner provides hot air for drying by burning dried biomass such as pellets, wood chips, charcoal, and so on. In cloudy conditions, hot air from the combined solar and biomass unit is used for drying. Through an air diffuser, hot air from both the solar and biomass units enters the drying chamber. A baffle plate is incorporated into the design of the drying chamber to achieve precise air distribution. A chimney structure is located at the top of the drying compartment to remove moist air. Figure 1. Schematic representation of Solar biomass hybrid dryer (1. Chimney, 2. Drying chamber, 3. Biomas gasifier, 4. Thermometer, 5. Solar collector, 6. Solar radiation, 7. Control value, 8. Natural convection opening, 9. Air flow, 10. Basement, 11. Combustion chamber, 12. Air inlet, 13. Blower, 14. Control value, 15. Control panel, 16. Temperature sensors, 17. Door lock, 18. Chimney, 19. Sliding door, 20. Hot wire anemometer, 21. Concentrator surface)