ASABE Technical Library - Abstract

Abstract. The solar dryer is an alternative to dry agricultural products that can be used in family farming for conservation and adding value to the product. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to compare two solar dryers, constructed with plywood material, glass covered and uncovered. The collectors were made of materials found in local shops and reuse of construction materials. After construction, sensors were used to determine the temperature of the solar collector and storing box. Thermistors were installed and connected to registers sensors for determination and storage of temperature data inside the solar collector and the storing box of both dryers for three consecutive days. The solar dryer without coverage had a higher temperature increase at the hottest times of the day. Solar dryer with coverage presented an increase in air temperature overnight, even without the solar radiation. The walls of the storing boxes have contributed to the temperature increase inside the storing boxes due to their surface has black color.