MATHEMATICAL MODELLING OF THIN LAYER SOLAR DRYING OF IGHU
Abstract
A solar cabinet dryer was fabricated and used in evaluating thin layer drying of Ighu. Three air-plenums (40mm, 60mm, 80mm), three loading densities (330g/mm2, 530g/mm2, 730g/mm2) and three moisture contents (57.8%, 67.3%, 75.6%) were applied to the process of drying to determine their effects on drying time. Fresh Ighu samples were prepared and dried by a natural open sun drying method. The experimental moisture ratios of the samples were fitted to nine drying models. The mathematical models were tested with the drying behaviour of Ighu in the solar dryer and open sun. The Page model and modified Page model were the best model based on statistical parameters of coefficient of determination, root mean square error and reduced mean square errors. They are applicable to predict moisture content of Ighu samples during solar and open sun drying.
