Performance evaluation of PV ventilated hybrid greenhouse dryer under no load condition

Authors

  • Mondru Madhava Acharya N g Ranga Agricultural University
  • Sivala kumar
  • D Bhaskara rao
  • Smith D D

Keywords:

Greenhouse dryer, photovoltaic, forced ventilation, performance evaluation

Abstract

The PV ventilated hybrid greenhouse dryer was designed and fabricated for drying of food grains. The greenhouse dryer with 446.7 X 213.4 cm size and with central height of 259 cm was constructed using 50.8X25.4 mm MS pipe, 19X30.2 mm MS angles. Clear twin wall polycarbonate sheet with 6 mm thick was used insulate the greenhouse dryer structure. Performance evaluation was conducted under no load test condition. It was observed that, the average temperature inside the dryer was 7.6-13.40C and 6.3-13.20C (22-43%) higher and average relative humidity was 26-47% and 23-40% lower than ambient temperature and relative humidity during May and December months respectively. Exhaust air flow rate varied in the range of 38.93-81.95 m3/min and 28-63 m3/min during May and December respectively. Elevated greenhouse dryer air temperature and reduced relative humidity would reduce the drying time considerably.

Author Biography

Mondru Madhava, Acharya N g Ranga Agricultural University

Assitant Professor

Agricultural Process and Food Engineering

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Published

2017-08-18

Issue

Section

IV-Energy in Agriculture