Comparative Study on Oven and Solar Drying of Agricultural Residues and Food Crops

The current study examined reduction of moisture from agricultural energy and food crops in a conventional oven to solar dryer at various treatment periods temperature between 40 ± 10 oC. Sugarcane bagasse Phragmites Australis had initial 50.8 % 6.07 by dry weight, respectively, with higher heating values (HHV) 6548.5 kJ/kg 17653.02 respectively. content phragmites were decreased 51.31% 68.69% respectively using drying, while the was reduced 48.01% 66.22% drying 5 hrs time. Corresponding increase HHV’s observed 11195.6 KJ/kg (oven drying) 10998.1 (solar drying), HHV increased 18706.79KJ/kg 18685.36KJ/kg drying). Green chillies 33.69 (oven) 8.28 (solar), whereas grapes 31.20 7.88 (solar) approach revealed carbohydrate when compared both treatments showed similar drop protein, fat, vitamin C contents. Statistical analysis that comparing drying; eliminates slightly have less requirements. amount heat required for unit mass 0.476 0.556 it 0.074 0.092 chilles 0.524 0.576 0.123 0.157 MJ/kg (solar). According results greater quantity than drying. Mass transfer constant initially, then reducing trend respect Furthermore, effective diffusivity coefficient found increasing research findings renewable on other hand, are comparable those demonstrating there is still enough untapped available its utilization biomass thermo-chemical conversion methods.