Development of a small scale solar-biomass dryer for pineapple (Ananas comosus).

Date

4-2013

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering

Major Course

Major in Agricultural Power and Machinery Engineering

College

College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology (CEAT)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Paras , Fernando O. Jr.

Committee Member

Gallegos, Ralph Kristoffer B.

Abstract

A small scale solar biomass dryer was designed and fabricated using locally available materials. Its drying performance was evaluated based on moisture reduction rate, evaporation rate and drying efficiency. Its thermal performance was evaluated based on overall heat loss (UL), energy utilized (Qu), and thermal efficiency. The cost effectiveness of the solar-biomass was evaluated using computation for Break-Even Point (BEP), benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), Undiscounted Payback Period (PBP) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). Result showed that the solar-biomass dryer can dry pineapple to less 20% moisture content in 3 days using solar energy. It can supply the needed heated air for drying, since it can attain and maintain 50-60ºC temperature. The average drying and thermal efficiency computed was 10.5% and 21.6% respectively. Cost analysis revealed that it is economical to fabricate the solar dryer since the undiscounted payback period has a value of 1.20 years. It is also financially feasible since the benefit-cost ratio is greater than one and the internal rate of return is more than the prevailing interest of 34%.

Language

English

Location

UPLB College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology

Call Number

LG 993.5 2013 A2 D48

Document Type

Thesis

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