Energy and Drying Time of a Thin-layer Potato in a Combined Solar-Intermittent Infrared Drier Powered by a Photovoltaic System

In this study, a combined solar-intermittent infrared drier powered by a photovoltaic system was built and the drier system parameters have been considered. In fact, by combining solar and infrared drying systems, the advantages of the two systems have been used to remove their defects. Therefore, drying kinetics, electrical energy consumption and temperature history of the potato slices with a thickness of 3, 5 and 7 mm at temperatures of 50, 60 and 70 ° C in the drier have been investigated. The results were compared with a similar test results in a natural flow solar drier. Studies show that in comparison to solar drying, at least 75% up to 83% reduction in the drying times was achieved. The highest and lowest specific moisture extracted rate of sliced potatoes will be 0.56 and 0.23 kg/kWh, respectively. Finally, with regard to the specific moisture extracted rate and drying duration, the potato drying at 50 ° C in the present drier is recommended.