Size a solar crop/food dryer based on product mass, initial/final moisture content, and drying rate.
Input Parameters
Results
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Water to Remove
kg
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Energy Required
kWh
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Dryer Area
m²
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Drying Time
days
Note: Solar dryers are 25-40% efficient. Indirect dryers preserve color and nutrients better. Airflow of 0.5-1.0 m/s over product is optimal.
Reference
Dry Mass = Wet Mass x (1 - Initial Moisture)
Final Mass = Dry Mass / (1 - Final Moisture)
Water Removed = Wet Mass - Final Mass
Energy = Water x 0.628 kWh/kg x 1.3 sensible factor
Dryer Area = Energy / (Radiation x Eff x Target Days)