Abstract:
In this study, the performance of large-scale solar greenhouse drying system was investigated. The system is made of a parabolic roof structure covered with polycarbonate sheets placing on concrete floor. The dryer has the base area of 8x12.4 m² and the height of 3.45 m. It a loading capacity of 500 kg of fruits or vegetables. The system was equipped with a 100 kw-LPG gas burner for supplying hot air case the drying during cloudy or raining days. The system was constructed at Yaring district, Pattani province (6.82˚ N, 101.40˚ E). To investigate the performance of these systems, we performed the system of Keropok drying. Results obtained from these drying experiments show that the drying air temperature in all drying system varied between 35˚ C to 70˚ C while quality dried products was obtained.