Design and Fabrication of a Multi-functional Electric-solar Driven Dryer: Performance Evaluation Using Cassava and Red Pepper

In this study, a multi-functional dryer utilizing electric and solar energy sources was designed and fabricated. Its performance and efficiency were evaluated at 55°C, 60°C, and 65°C using cassava and red pepper. The blower, solar chamber, heater, and heating chamber were the major components of the dryer. The Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation revealed a total of $260 was spent. The weight and moisture content were reduced as the drying time and temperature were increased for both the cassava and the red pepper. Higher removal of moisture was noticed at the initial stage of drying before constant weight was attained after some drying periods. For red pepper, the percentage of moisture removed was 71.51%, 74.5%, and 80.77% while the dryer performance was 14.89 kg/hr, 18.63 kg/hr, and 25.24 kg/hr at 55°C, 60°C and 65°C respectively. For cassava, the percentage of moisture removed was 84.66%, 89.3%, and 90.62% while the dryer performance was 33.86 kg/hr, 35.71 kg/hr, and 41.43 kg/hr at 55°C, 60°C and 65°C respectively. In conclusion, the designed and fabricated multi-functional electric-solar driven dryer was effective for drying the examined products and can be adopted by local farmers due to its high efficiency and low cost.