| Author | Capareda, Sergio Canzana |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.ET-85-10 |
| Subject(s) | Solar energy research
|
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | A forced convection solar dryer with rocked heat storage between the solar collector and the drying chamber was designed, constructed and tested. A mathematical model is also development for the system. The 9m2 solar collector gives outlet temperatures of 53-79 ํ c ; and efficiencies of 20-35% are achieved. The rockbed contains 2 tons of gravel in a volume of 1.5m x 1.5m x 0.75m. The maximum rockbed outlet temperature is 50 ํ c on clear days and 40 ํ c on cloudy days. Over 20% of the daily global radiation can be stored. The drying chamber can accommodate 1 m3 of material. With the operating time from 2 PM to 12-1 AM, the average chamber temperature is 44 ํ c on clear days and 37 ํ c on cloudy days. with proper control of exhaust air in the range 250-500 m3/hr, the operation may be extended to an average of three more hours; however, this does not increase the theoretical drying rate. Initial investment for the unit is about 18,000 bahts. The life cycle cost on a 20 year life span is about twice the initial investment with an expected benefit/cost ratio close to 2.0. |
| Year | 1985 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Energy Technology (ET) |
| Chairperson(s) | Exell, Robert H.B. |
| Examination Committee(s) | Bhattacharya, Sribas C. ;Lucas, N.J.D. |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Government of the Federal Republic of Germany (DAAD) |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1985 |