Thermal Analysis of Tilapia Fish Drying by Hybrid Solar Thermal Drying System

The present work presents a hybrid solar thermal drying of Tilapia fish to improve the product quality and satisfy importers. developed dryer utilized direct drying, air heater backup unit which sustains process during night, cloudy rainy weather conditions. Besides, new feature utilizes flue gas exhausted from enhance updraft in chamber by re-injection gases chimney. initial moisture content used investigation was 246.6% on dry basis, equivalent 74% wet basis. investigations were repeated three times different days. Experimental results showed that reduced an average final 17.0% db (5.0% wb) within 17.5 hours, while open sun it required around 48-72 hours. Hybrid 72% shorter time than drying. overall efficiency system for 13.0%. Re-injection technique solar-thermal has excluded need electric source extraction chamber, is highly desired rural fishery regions.