Evaluation of drying efficiency of two innovative Tent Solar Dryers for food processing

Bc. Daniel Braniš

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This diploma thesis investigates the pivotal role of solar drying in addressing food security challenges in developing countries, with a specific focus on the evaluation of two innovative Tent Solar Dryers. In regions where access to conventional drying methods is limited, solar drying emerges as a sustainable and accessible solution, offering immense potential for reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing food preservation. Despite its promise, traditional sun drying methods prevalent in many developing countries encounter significant challenges such as dependency on weather conditions, vulnerability to contamination, and inconsistent drying rates. These obstacles hinder the efficiency and reliability of food drying processes, exacerbating food insecurity issues. The data collection and sensory evaluation was done. Different parameters were collected during the data collection which was done on the faculty of Tropical AgriScience during summer relatively hot days to get as close as possible to weather conditions in mainly developing countries. The results revealed the efficiency of both tents and one direct solar dryer achieved slightly better results, which would be the better option for the farmers.

Keywords

solar energy, drying solar dryers, food processing

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 27. 4. 2024

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 3. 6. 2024
• Supervisor: prof. Ing. Jan Banout, Ph.D.
• Reader: Petr Ehl, externi

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Master programme:
Agri-food Systems and Rural Development