Thin-layer mathematical modeling of apple slices drying, using open sun and cabinet solar drying methods

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the effect of climate conditions such as ambient temperature, humidity, pressure, sun radiation and pollution on sliced apples quality and drying time which are dried in an indirect forced cabinet solar drying (IFCSD) and open sun drying (OSD) systems. Both experiments were implemented at same place (Kabul, Afghanistan) and time. The IFCSD yield for saving time is 42.8 % which is more effective than drying in the OSD system. Simultaneously with the decreasing of sliced apple weight from 512.9 g down to 73.9 g, the water activity decreased from 0.955 down to 0.355 in the IFCSD system. For OSD system, the sample weight decreased from 512.6 g down to 78.4 g and its water activity from 0.955 down to 0.411. On the experiment day the average sun radiation was 571 w/m2 . The pressure drop between inlet and outlet of the dryer was 0.1 kPa. Different thin-layer mathematical models were investigated to identify the best model fitting the experimental data. The mathematical models’ performances were investigated by comparing the coefficient of determination (R ² ), reduced chi-square (X² ) and root mean square error (RMSE) coefficients. From all 11 applied thin-layer drying models the Page, Approximation diffusion, Verma et al and Midilli and Kacuk models are more fitted to our data.