Response surface optimization and social impact evaluation of Houttuynia cordata Thunb solar drying technology for community enterprise in Chiangrai, Thailand

Drying has emerged as one of the most important ways preserving high-quality and quantity food goods. A force convection solar drying is considered an ecologically environmentally friendly alternative. This research presents parameter optimization greenhouse tunnel dryer Houttuynia cordata Thunb (H. cordata) using response surface methodology with assessment economic feasibility social return on invesment. The influence parameters process were evaluated to obtain maximum efficiency. individual temperature (40 – 60 °C), material length (10 30 cm), relative humidity (30 50%). showed extreme effect moisture content color value change, while had only content. On other hand, was not significance in both responses. When compared open-air drying, reduced time H. by 57.14%. payback period found be 2.5 years. Furthermore, results reveal that investment ratio 2021 2.18, then increasing 2.52 2022 2.91 2023. According findings, technology potential adequate product quality improvement for cordata. It a feasible terms evaluation.