Mathematical modeling of the drying chamber of the combined solar dryer-cooler unit

Abstract

This research paper presents the mathematical model and numerical results of the heat and mass exchange processes in the drying chamber (DCh) of the combined solar air collector SAC indirect solar dryer (SD) designed for drying 30 kg of fresh apple slices in one drying cycle. This dryer allows you to reduce the moisture content of apple slices from 62% to 17%. Also, physical processes in the DCh are modeled on the basis of balance equations when various parameters affecting the product drying process change. The solution of these equations makes it possible to determine the temperature change in different elements of the SD, and then the drying kinetics of apple slices. It is possible to theoretically and experimentally determine the change in temperature and humidity of the product during drying of other types of products in the proposed SD.