Optimization and Testing of A Double-Glazed Solar Dryer using the Design of Experiments Method

In several countries, including the Central African Republic, sunlight is widely used as a direct source of energy for drying and dehydrating food products. With the high cost of fossil fuels, direct or indirect solar drying will become increasingly important worldwide as a food preservation method. Fortunately, unlike other countries, the Central African Republic enjoys abundant sunshine, making this alternative particularly attractive when continuous drying is required. In this article, we have undertaken an experimental study of drying using a foldable and portable dryer designed at the Laboratoire d'Energétique Carnot (L.E.C). For the purposes of the study, this dryer was modified to switch from natural convection mode to forced convection mode, enabling it to operate efficiently at all times thanks to fans powered by photovoltaic cells with a storage battery for energy storage.