Experimental Validation of the Mathematical Model for a Recirculating Solar Dryer
Abstract
Abstract—Data are provided on studying the development of effective solar energy dryers and the spheres of their practical application are considered. An energy-saving recirculating solar energy dryer with a recuperative heat exchanger is developed for drying produce with a fresh product load volume of 30 kg. A mathematical model for the drying processes in the suggested recirculating solar energy dryer is also presented. The experimental verification of the mathematical model of the recirculating solar drying installation is presented. The diurnal variations in the ambient temperature and heat flux density of incident total solar radiation were used as the input data; the tests were conducted in the city of Bukhara. The results of the statistical analysis of the diurnal variations in the temperature inside the solar dryer show good agreement. Also, an experimental verification of the known models for apple drying in a recirculating solar dryer and in open air are presented. Among these models, the Henderson and Pabis model showed the best fit between calculated and experimental results. This allows us to carry out full-scale calculations in solar dryers using the Henderson and Pabis drying model.