Abstract
ELECTRIC-SOLAR ENERGY HYBRID DRYER FOR SA KAEO PROVINCE
Krissadang Sookramoon*
ABSTRACT
This research aims to study the drying process by using solar sensor, electric circuit controlled combined with stationery solar dryer. The design started with a flat plate receiver and built a cabinet with a 100 cm width, a 198 cm length, and 40.5 cm height, and has a tilted mirror at an angle of 45?. Solar panels were installed as well as an electric charger, and a small 12-volt battery. There are two 12-volt DC electric fans, which deliver hot air through two aluminum tubes and the 8-tray hot-air incubator. A solar sensor was installed to adjust the working mode between the sunlight and the electric coil. Herbs in Sa Kaeo province of Thailand were selected for the test, such as Plai, Ma Kra Tueap Rong, and Do-Mai Roo Lom. Installed temperature and relative humidity instruments inside and outside the drying cabinet. The experiment was conducted from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (September-October). The experiment was conducted with a total duration of 24 hours per drying time, 14 kg per time. The average initial weight of the sample product was 48 g, the average final weight was 24 g, for wet standard moisture products. The initial wet standard was 80.5%, the final wet standard humidity in the product was reduced to 31%. The maximum temperature inside the cabinet was 61 ?C. The flat plate collector?s maximum efficiency was 18%.
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