A comparative energy analysis of natural convection and forced convection in a solar greenhouse coffee dehydrator

Lopez Velasco O.; La Madrid R.; Marcelo-Aldana D.; Palacios J.D. · 1st IEEE Colombian Caribbean Conference, C3 2023 (2023) · DOI: 10.1109/c358072.2023.10436308

Resumen

This study presents a technological alternative analysis including modeling, measurement, and comparison of a forced convection dryer aided by photovoltaic energy and a natural convection greenhouse-type solar dryer. The semi-cylindrical solar greenhouse dryer with dimensions of 4 m x 4.7 m and the capacity to dry 200 kg of wet parchment coffee was able to achieve drying times of three and a half days for natural convection and two and a half days for forced convection, reducing the moisture content from 52% to 12% on a wet basis. In the same manner, desiccant air temperatures in the range of 60 - 70 °C and 50 - 60 °C were attained for natural convection and forced convection, respectively, significantly enhancing the coffee's quality and properties.

Instituciones: Universidad de Piura