Development and performance evaluation of a dual energy source solar dryer for tomatoes

Solar energy is the most promising of renewable sources in view its apparent limitless potential. A Dual Source Dryer was developed under Bauchi weather at latitude 9°14′ N and longitude 12°26′ E using locally available materials performance evaluated. The essence dryer to achieve effective method tomato preservation eliminate drudgery product deterioration associated with traditional methods open sun drying tomatoes. This alleviating limitation experienced by farmers crop especially for solar consists tray, reflective walls glass roof, a preheating air absorber plate, inner panels removal moisture chimney through which stream passes across dryer. Evaluation showed raised temperature about 47 ℃ attainable chamber. rate found be higher than natural method. able reduce content from initial 94% wet basis 4% three days time 24 h, efficiency 64%, mass flow 0.025 kg s-1 0.03906 h-1. results considerable advantage over terms less risk spoilage.