Mathematical modeling of solar dryer for pistachio nut(Ohadi variety)

The aim of this paper is to study a solar batch dryer for pistachio nut (Ohadi variety) of Rafsanjan(Kerman province) Iran. During periods of low sunshine a heater is used which is working by wind power. The establishment of heat and mass transfer balance lead to two set of differential equations computed by finite element method. Fifth September in two years (2006 and 2007) is chosen for drying time. Fan is used for better drying (forced convection) which is working with wind power. The effects of air temperature and air velocity are evaluated. Increasing air temperature and air velocity decrease drying time. This result shows that air temperature has more greater effect than air velocity and decreases drying time significantly.

Keywords:

Mathematical modelling , Drying , Solar , Pistachio nut