DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A PORTABLE SOLAR DRYER FOR CROP DRYING
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DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A PORTABLE SOLAR DRYER FOR CROP DRYING
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Drying is one of the oldest and most widely used methods of food preservation globally. It involves the removal of moisture from agricultural produce to a level that inhibits the growth of microorganisms and reduces biochemical degradation, thereby extending shelf life (Fellows, 2017). In many developing countries, including Nigeria, traditional sun drying is still the predominant practice due to its simplicity and low cost. However, this method exposes crops to contamination by dust, insects, rodents, and adverse weather fluctuations, resulting in significant post-harvest losses (Afolabi, 2018). As reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2020), post-harvest losses in fruits and vegetables can reach 30–50% in sub-Saharan Africa largely due to poor handling and inefficient drying techniques.
Solar drying offers an efficient alternative to open sun drying because it uses a controlled environment where solar radiation is converted into thermal energy for drying crops (Aremu & Adekanye, 2019). Solar dryers come in different forms—direct, indirect, and mixed-mode—each designed to improve drying efficiency, hygiene, and product quality (Esper & Muhlbauer, 2016). The increasing global emphasis on renewable energy has further stimulated interest in solar-powered food preservation systems, particularly in rural communities with limited access to electrical energy (Rahman & Karim, 2021).
Recent technological advancements have led to the development of compact, low-cost portable solar dryers that improve drying rates, reduce dependency on weather, and ensure uniform crop dehydration (Ndukwu et al., 2020). Such designs are crucial for smallholder farmers who need efficient post-harvest solutions to minimize losses and maximize income. Therefore, the design and development of a portable solar dryer for crop drying is both timely and essential.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Traditional open sun drying remains the most common drying method among rural farmers in Nigeria; however, it is highly inefficient and unsanitary. It exposes agricultural produce to rainfall, pest infestation, bird droppings, and dust contamination (Odesola & Onyebuchi, 2009). Additionally, uncontrolled drying conditions result in inconsistent product quality, slow drying rates, and nutrient degradation (Sagar & Kumar, 2018). These shortcomings contribute significantly to post-harvest losses and reduce farmers’ profitability.
Current solar dryers available in the market are often expensive, bulky, or require technical expertise for operation and maintenance (Ekechukwu & Norton, 2017). In rural areas with limited financial resources and poor access to electricity, farmers need a low-cost, efficient, and portable drying system that can enhance quality and reduce losses. This study seeks to fill this gap by designing and developing a portable solar dryer suitable for small-scale crop drying.
1.3 Aim of the Study
The aim of this study is to design and develop a portable solar dryer for effective drying of agricultural crops.
1.4 Objectives of the Study
The specific objectives include:
To design a functional portable solar dryer suitable for small-scale crop drying.
To construct the designed solar dryer using locally available materials.
To evaluate the drying performance of the constructed solar dryer.
To compare the efficiency of the solar dryer with traditional open sun drying.
1.5 Research Questions
What design features are required for an efficient and portable solar dryer?
What materials are most suitable and cost-effective for constructing the solar dryer?
How effectively does the developed solar dryer reduce moisture content in crops?
How does the performance of the solar dryer compare to open sun drying?
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is valuable to several stakeholders. For farmers, the portable solar dryer provides a cost-effective and hygienic alternative to open sun drying, thereby reducing post-harvest losses and improving product quality (Ajibola et al., 2020). For policymakers and development agencies, the design supports the promotion of renewable energy solutions in rural communities. For researchers and engineers, it contributes to ongoing innovation in post-harvest technologies and offers a practical model that can be improved, adapted, or scaled up (Ndukwu & Manuwa, 2021).
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study focuses on the design, development, and performance evaluation of a portable solar dryer suitable for drying selected agricultural crops such as vegetables, grains, and fruits. The study does not extend to large-scale industrial drying systems or the commercial production of the designed dryer.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The study is limited by factors such as weather variability, availability of materials, and the time required for drying experiments. Seasonal fluctuations in solar radiation may also influence the performance results (Rahman & Karim, 2021).
1.9 Operational Definition of Terms
Solar Dryer: A device that uses solar energy to remove moisture from agricultural products.
Moisture Content: The amount of water present in a material, expressed as a percentage.
Post-Harvest Loss: Reduction in the quantity or quality of agricultural produce after harvest.
Portable: Easy to move or transport from one location to another.
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