Development of an indirect active solar heating dryer (IASHD) for dwarf cavendish banana

Fiji has the potential to export banana (Musa spp.) due to the volume of the product being produced annually.However, due to the country's limited export capacity, most of the products are wasted after harvest.It is important to develop technical solutions for Banana processing that increase the shelf life of bananas after harvest and during storage through efficient drying technologies.An Indirect Active Solar Heating Dryer (IASHD) was designed and manufactured for Dwarf Cavendish Banana at Fiji National University.The dryer system consists of several components.They are, a solar heating collector with heated air system, drying chamber, a trolley, ductwork, and an exhaust chimney compartment, a blower fan.Thickness of 3 -10 mm Banana pieces were peeled and sliced using a 10-inch Tramontina knife from fresh banana fruit.Three slice types, lengthwise, crosswise, and diagonal were used for the drying experiment.Fifty slices per tray were loaded without piling up of slices on each other during loading conditions.Data obtained indicated that the lower the RH of the heated air, the higher the temperature and the faster the drying process of sliced banana.After 2 hours of drying, moisture content of the dried slices have been drastically reduced showing the trend of drying for further experimentation.Authors need to understand the performance of the dryer in drying evaluating moisture after 2 hours.The IASHD was appropriate for the Fiji environment because of its simple design, ease of mobility to seek more sunlight, flexibility, ease of use, and efficient operation.