Heat balance and efficiency calculation of a flat-plate solar collector for environmentally friendly food drying
Abstract
Abstract This paper deals with one of the main features of solar food drying processes. The thermal properties of the insulator, which is an important element of this process, are studied. It is found that the efficiency of this element is very sensitive to changes in climatic parameters, consistent with sunlight, slightly varying ambient temperature, comfortable humidity and any wind speed. A significant discrepancy is obtained between theoretical and experimental data on the energy of production of mathematical models that allow describing the different interactions and between the different elements of the flat plate collector and the external environment, as well as the exchange of energy and heat. Experiments describing the energy and thermal behaviour of a solar collector are carried out and examples of theoretical modelling are given. The parameters affecting the performance of a rectangular flat-plate solar collector are determined.