Universities Research Journal 2011, Vol. 4, No.

Effectiveness of Design of Solar Dryers on Dehydration of

Vegetables (Tomato, Green Onion Leaves)
Tin Lin Maung1 and Yee Yee Win2

Abstract
Based on preliminary investigations under controlled conditions of
drying experiments, solar tunnel dryer and solar cabinet dryer with turbo-
ventilator were designed and constructed to dry tomato and green onion
leaves. Solar tunnel dryer (STD) design uses direct sunlight and has low
resistance to airflow. STD is weather protected food dehydration tunnel
that can dry food economically and hygienically. Solar cabinet dryer with
turbo-ventilator (SCD) is an innovative design with natural draught
induced with turbo-ventilator. Turbo-ventilator runs on external wind and
creates necessary draught and maintains good airflow through the solar
dryer giving excellent performance. As the turbo-ventilator works on
outside wind only, no power is required and unit is truly a renewable
energy gadget. This paper describes the design considerations followed
and presents the results of calculations of design parameters. A minimum
of 6 ft2 (0.557m2) solar collector area is required to dry a batch of 2-5 kg
sliced vegetables in 6-10 hours (~two days drying period). The average
initial and final moisture content considered were ~95% and ~10% wet
basis, respectively. The average ambient conditions are 35ºC air
temperature and 56% relative humidity. The weather conditions
considered are of Southern Yangon Region, Myanmar. Tomato and green
onion leaves were chosen systematically prepared and dehydrated. Their
characteristics such as pH, acidity, moisture content, color, ash content,
fibre content, sugar content and rehydration ratio were determined.

Introduction
Sun drying is still the most common method used to preserve
agricultural products in most tropical and subtropical countries. However,
being unprotected from rain, wind-borne dirt and dust, infestation by
insects, rodents and other animal, products may be seriously degraded to the
extent that sometimes become inedible and the resulted loss of food quality
in the dried products may have adverse economic effects on domestics and
international markets. Some of the problems associated with open-air sun
drying can be solved through the use of a solar dryer which comprises of
collector, a drying chamber and sometimes a chimeny. The conditions in
tropical countries make the use of solar energy for drying food practically

1. Assistant Lecturer, Dr., Department of Industrial Chemistry, East Yangon University.

2. Professor (Head), Dr., Department of Industrial Chemistry, East Yangon University.
402 Universities Research Journal 2011, Vol. 4, No. 3

attractive and environmentally sound. (Mulhlbauer, W., J. Mullere, and A.

Esper, 1996)
Solar dryers have the principal advantage of using solar energy--a
free, available, and limitless energy source that is also non- polluting. Solar
dryers use the energy of the sun to heat the air that flows over the food in
the dryer. As air is heated, its relative humidity decreases and it is able to
hold more moisture. Warm, dry air flowing through the dryer carries away
the moisture that evaporates from the surfaces of the food.
Solar dryers can be classified based upon the exposure of the crop to
direct or indirect solar radiation, or the method of air flow through the dryer
which may be by natural or forced convection. Natural convection solar
dryer has low buoyancy induced air flow. Forced convection solar dryer
have increased air flow induced with fan. Solar cabinet dryer with turbo-
ventilator is the indirect forced convection solar dryer, whereas solar tunnel
dryer is the direct natural convection solar dryer. (Bala B.K., 2009)
In this research work, the chosen fruits and vegetables for
dehydration are tomato and green onion leaves. Dehydrated leaves in the
form of flour, powder, flakes, and granulated are used in cookery as
seasonings, condiments and also ingredient of instant- noodles.

Materials and Methods

Design of Solar Dryers
The two types of solar dryers constructed are solar tunnel dryer and
solar cabinet dryer with turbo-ventilator.
Solar Tunnel Dryer
The dryer dimension is 3ft wide x 6ft (0.91m x 1.82m) long and is
constructed with materials readily available in Southern Yangon Area. The
frame consists of 3 ft x 6ft (0.91m x 1.82m) plywood sheet and two 1 x 4in
(0.0254m x 0.1016m) side boards (Figures 1, and 2). Hoops made of 1in
(0.0254m) bamboo sticks support a clear polyethylene film cover. The peak
height of polyethylene cover is 1ft (0.3048m) above the drying tunnel. The
bottom of the dryer is insulated with ⅓in (0.85cm) foam insulation board.
The entire solar dryer frame is supported on a bunch. Drying trays, 3ft wide
x 4ft (0.91m x 1.22m) long, have knitted polyethylene shade cloth attached
to the bottom of the ¾ x 1½in (1.905cm x 3.81cm) wood frames.
Universities Research Journal 2011, Vol. 4, No. 3 403

Air ducts convey heated air from the 6 ft2 (0.557m2) solar collector
to below the drying trays, allowing heated air to rise through the bottom of
the polyethylene shade cloth.

Figure (1) Views of Solar Tunnel Dryer

Fig (2) Solar Tunnel Dryer

Solar Cabinet Dryer with Turbo-ventilator

The solar cabinet dryer with turbo-ventilator consists of drying
cabinet, solar collector and turbo-ventilator. 26in wide x 41.5in long
(0.6604m x 1.0541m) corrugated galvanized sheet, painted black is fitted to
the bottom of the drying chamber and tilted at 30 º. Galvanized sheet was
covered with 26in wide x 47.5in long (0.6604m x 1.2065m) transparent
glass plate. There are three trays in the drying chamber. 13.5in wide x 26in
length x 2in height (0.3429m x 0.6604m x 0.0508m) trays are made of
mosquito wire net. The height below the trays is 45in (1.143m). The top of
the trays are covered with turbo-ventilator made of iron sheet.
The black colour of the corrugated galvanized sheet absorbs the sun
rays and heats the air above. The warm air rises, flows through the drying
404 Universities Research Journal 2011, Vol. 4, No. 3

cabinet and leaves the drying chamber through the top turbo-ventilator.
Cool environment air is sucked off through the bottom opening. Turbo-
ventilator works on outside wind and exhausts air from drying cabinet
inducing draught. The solar dryer only works with direct solar radiation and
works best during dry periods when there is little humidity in the air.

16.5”

16”

4.5”

2”

45”

Fig (3) Views of the Solar Cabinet Dryer with Turbo-ventilator

Universities Research Journal 2011, Vol. 4, No. 3 405

Turbo-
ventilator

Drying
Tray

Solar
Collector

Fig (4) Solar Cabinet Dryer with Turbo-ventilator

Table (1) Design Conditions and Assumptions of Solar Tunnel Dryer for
Tomato and Green Onion Leaves
Green Onion
Conditions Tomato
Leaves
Location EYU Campus EYU Campus
Drying Period November November
Loading Rate(mp) (kg) 5 2
Initial Moisture Content (Mi) (%w/w) 95.86 96
Final Moisture Content (Mf) (%w/w) 14 7.94
Ambient Air Temperature (Tam) (ºC) 37 37
Ambient Relative Humidity (RHam) (%) 56.7 42.8
Maximum Allowable Temperature (ºC) 48 46
Drying Time (td) (hr) 9.5 5.5
Wind Speed (m/s) 0.36 0.36
Thickness (mm) 5 5
406 Universities Research Journal 2011, Vol. 4, No. 3

Table (2) Design Conditions and Assumptions of Solar Cabinet Dryer

with Turbo-ventilator for Tomato and Green Onion Leaves
Green Onion
Conditions Tomato
Leaves
Location EYU Campus EYU Campus
Drying Period November November
Loading Rate(mp) (kg) 3 1
Initial Moisture Content (Mi) (%w/w) 95.86 96
Final Moisture Content (Mf) (%w/w) 12.5 10
Ambient Air Temperature (Tam) (ºC) 33 37
Ambient Relative Humidity (RHam) (%) 42.3 42.8
Maximum Allowable Temperature (ºC) 45 46
Drying Time (td) (hr) 10 6
Wind Speed (m/s) 0.36 0.36
Thickness (mm) 5 5

Table (3) Values of Design Parameters for Solar Tunnel Dryer for Tomato
and Green Onion Leaves
Parameters Tomato Green Onion Leaves
Initial Humidity Ratio ,wi (kg H2O/kg dry air) 0.015 0.018
Initial Enthalpy, hi (kJ /kg dry air) 73.7 78.33
Equilibrium Relative Humidity ,RHf (%) 59 46.5
Final Humidity Ratio ,wf (kg H2O/kg dry air) 0.024 0.025
Final Enthalpy, hf (kJ /kg dry air) 86.1 100.9
Mass of Water to be Evaporated, mw (kg) 4.76 1.91
Average Drying Rate, mdr (kg H2O/hr) 0.50 0.35
Air Flow Rate, ma (kg dry air/hr) 71.4 50
3
Volumetric Air Flow Rate, Va (m /hr) 59.5 41.6
Total Useful Energy, E (MJ) 18.55 8.95
2
Solar Collector Area, Ac (m ) 0.557 0.557
Universities Research Journal 2011, Vol. 4, No. 3 407

Table (4) Values of Design Parameters for Solar Cabinet Dryer with
Turbo-ventilator for Tomato and Green Onion Leaves
Green Onion
Parameters Tomato
Leaves
Initial Humidity Ratio ,wi (kg H2O/kg dry
0.015 0.014
air)
Initial Enthalpy, hi (kJ /kg dry air) 73.7 66.5
Equilibrium Relative Humidity ,RHf (%) 56.4 51.4
Final Humidity Ratio ,wf (kg H2O/kg dry air) 0.021 0.024
Final Enthalpy, hf (kJ /kg dry air) 89.1 106.78
Mass of Water to be Evaporated, mw (kg) 2.86 0.95
Average Drying Rate, mdr (kg H2O/hr) 0.286 0.158
Air Flow Rate, ma (kg dry air/hr) 47.7 15.8
3
Volumetric Air Flow Rate, Va (m /hr) 39.75 13.2
Total Useful Energy, E (MJ) 7.34 1.434
2
Solar Collector Area, Ac (m ) 0.696 0.696

Dehydration of Tomato and Green Onion Leaves

Materials
Sound ripe tomato and good, fresh and green onion leaves, from
Thanlyin Township, Yangon Division were used. Sodium bicarbonate was
purchased from local markets.
Method of Preparation of Dehydrated Tomato
Sound ripe tomatoes were thoroughly washed with
water and removed stems and blemishes. These tomatoes
were put in a large pot of boiling water for no more than
1 min (30 – 45 seconds is usually enough) and then
plunged them into a waiting bowl of ice water. With a
gentle tug, the skins were practically slide off the
tomatoes. Tomatoes were then sliced into 5mm thickness.
Olive oil was used to lightly grease the trays of solar dryer (this will prevent
the tomatoes from sticking to the tray). Sliced tomatoes were arranged on
the trays and then dried in solar tunnel dryer at 48ºC for (9.5) hr. As another
408 Universities Research Journal 2011, Vol. 4, No. 3

way, they were dried in solar cabinet dryer with turbo-ventilator at 45ºC for
about 10 hours to obtain complete drying.
Method of Preparation of Dehydrated Green Onion Leaves
Mature green onion leaves were trimmed to
remove the undesired portions (bulb and roots),
followed by washing and cutting into small pieces
(5mm). Consequently the weighed pieces were
blanched for 15 minutes in steam vapour and then
dipped in 1% sodium bicarbonate solution for about 5
minutes at room temperature (adapted from Yi Yi Myint et. al., (2007)).
Finally they were then dried in solar tunnel dryer (46ºC) for 5.5 hours and
another way, they were dried in solar cabinet dryer with turbo-ventilator at
46ºC for about 6 hours to obtain complete drying.
Methods of Analysis
The essential determinants, showing the quality of each type of
dehydrated leaves including, pH, moisture content, ash content, fibre
content, colour, acidity, sugar content, total solid content, rehydration ratio
and organoleptic properties were investigated.

Results and Discussion

The mean average day temperature in November at Southern
Yangon Region, Myanmar is 35ºC and RH is 56 %. From the psychometric
chart, the humidity ratio is 0.02kg H2O/kg dry air. Since Southern Yangon
Region is rainy and tropical district and also near the sea, the humidity is
high. From the result of preliminary experiments on the crops, the drying
temperature range for the two dryers is 40-50ºC and final moisture content
of products for storage is ~10% w.b. The corresponding relative humidity is
50-60% (sorption isotherms equation).
Based on the results obtained during the test of dryer, temperature
above 40ºC was recorded against the ambient temperature in the drying
chamber. For solar tunnel dryer, design parameters and design conditions of
tomato and green onion leaves are shown in Tables (1) and (3) whereas
design parameters and design conditions of these two vegetables for solar
cabinet dryer with turbo-ventilator are shown in Tables (2) and (4).
In solar tunnel dryer, ideal height of polyethylene cover is important
and ranges between 8 to 16 inches (20-41cm) above the drying trays. A
Universities Research Journal 2011, Vol. 4, No. 3 409

solar tunnel dryer with taller peak height has a larger air volume to absorb
water vapour but it takes longer to heat the volume of air. The taller peak
height also has less wind resistance allowing faster air flow, but the path of
airflow is higher above the drying trays with less mixing of moisture-laden
air at the drying tray. A shallow peak height has a smaller volume to absorb
water vapour but the smaller volume heats up faster and the airflow is
directed closer to the drying tray to remove the moisture from the products.
So, the peak height of 1ft (30.48cm) is chosen for this solar tunnel dryer.
The amount of produce place in the dryer also affects the humidity in the
dryer and the drying rate.
The solar cabinet dryer is an indirect dryer by inserting blackened
galvanized plate directly beneath the clear glass cover and which removes
the exposure of the crop to direct sunlight. If the drying trays are in any way
over-packed, air flow is obstructed and crop spoilage occurs. Dryers of this
type must be used with care. An exhaust fan such as turbo-ventilator, fitted
at the top of the cabinet can facilitate air movement through such dryers.
This unit does not require external power because of use of turbo-ventilator.
The characteristics of fresh and dehydrated (tomato and green onion
leaves) such as colour, ash content, fibre content, pH, total solid content,
sugar content and rehydration ratio can be seen in Tables (5) and (6). In
Table (5), colour of the dehydrated tomato using SCD was nearly equal to
fresh tomato. With STD, red and yellow color were reduced. Table (6) show
that colour of dehydrated green onion leaves using SCD was nearly equal to
those using STD. The increase of color intensity after dehydration was
reduced in solar tunnel dryer than solar cabinet dryer. This was due to the
direct heat and low resistance to air flow in solar tunnel dryer. Other
characteristics of dehydrated products were increased because of
dehydration. The effect of the type of dryer on the characteristics of
dehydrated fruits and vegetables are recorded in Table (7). The results point
out that solar cabinet dryer with turbo-ventilator was more favourable for
dehydration of fruits and vegetables because indirect and forced convection
can retain better characteristics than solar tunnel dryer. As solar tunnel dryer
is direct and natural convection dryer, flavour of the products were slightly
reduced than with solar cabinet dryer with turbo-ventilator.
410 Universities Research Journal 2011, Vol. 4, No. 3

Table (5) Characteristics of Fresh and Dehydrated Tomato

Dehydrated Tomato

Characteristics Fresh Tomato Solar Cabinet Dryer

Solar Tunnel Dryer
with Turbo-ventilator

Colour R 15.5, Y 3.9 R 15.4, Y 3 R 4.3, Y 1.7

Moisture (%) 95.86 12.5 14
Fiber (%) 1.123 - -
Ash (%) 4.357 12.5 12.4
pH 4.12 4.45 4.57
Sugar Content (%) 4 10 11
Rehydration Ratio - 9.44 9.32

Table (6) Characteristics of Fresh Green Onion Leaves and Dehydrated

Green Onion Leaves
Dehydrated Green Onion Leaves
Fresh Solar Cabinet
Characteristics Onion Solar Shift-made
Dryer with
Leaves Tunnel Hot –air
Turbo-
Dryer Dryer*
ventilator
Y 60, Y 20.6,B
Colour Y 20.7, B 10.9 Y 20.6, B 12
B9 60,R 2

Moisture (%) 91.68 10 7.94 15.59

Ash (%) 0.7292 11.78 11.67 10.0861
Total Solid Content (%) 7.4 90 92.06 -
Rehydration Ratio - 9.44 9.32 10.6

* adapted from Yi Yi Myint et. al., (2007)

Universities Research Journal 2011, Vol. 4, No. 3 411

Table (7) Effect of Dryers on the Characteristics of Tomato and Green

Onion Leaves
Vegetables Dryers Color Smell Shelf life
6 months
STD Pale red Pleasant smell
(browning occur)
Tomato
SCD with Pleasant and 6 months
red
Turbo-ventilator pungent smell (browning occur)
1 year (do not
STD green Pleasant smell
Green Onion change)
Leaves SCD with Pleasant and 1 year (do not
Green change)
Turbo-ventilator pungent smell

(ii)
(i)

Figure (7) Dehydrated Tomato Using (i) Solar Tunnel Dryer

(ii) Solar Cabinet Dryer with Turbo-ventilator

(i) (ii)

Figure (8) Dehydrated Green Onion Leaves Using (i) Solar Tunnel
Dryer (ii) Solar Cabinet Dryer with Turbo-ventilator
412 Universities Research Journal 2011, Vol. 4, No. 3

Conclusion
Solar dryers are very usable and it will help the community to have
nutritious processed food. Solar driers are simple in construction and can be
constructed using locally available materials such as glass, wood,
galvanized plate, bamboo and plastic, by the local craftsman. Solar cabinet
dryer with turbo-ventilator is an indirect, forced-convection solar dryer.
Solar tunnel dryer is a direct, natural convection solar dryer.
The quality of the dehydrated products using solar cabinet dryer
with turbo-ventilator is superior in color than those using solar tunnel dryer
since solar cabinet dryer is indirect and good ventilation. Solar cabinet dryer
with turbo-ventilator can be used for many types of fruits and vegetables
with good quality in color and flavor. Solar tunnel dryer can also be used
for fruits and vegetables whose quality is independent of color and flavor.
Based on this research work, the farmers in rural areas can also use simple
solar drying technique in their farm to preserve their home-grown
vegetables after harvesting and the products can be used in off-season.

Acknowledgements
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to U Kyaw Ye’ Tun, Rector, East
Yangon University, Dr. Mar Lar Aung, Pro-Rector and Dr. Kyaw Kyaw Khaung, Pro-
Rector, East Yangon University, for their permission and the financial support in this
research work. We are deeply indebted to Dr. Yee Yee Win, Professor and Head of the
Industrial Chemistry Department, East Yangon University, for giving permission to use
research facilities in the department. We are grateful to Dr. Than Htaik, Director General
(Retired), Department of Cottage Industry and Dr. Yi Yi Myint, Professor, Department of
Industrial Chemistry, Yadanarbon Univeristy (Former Associate Professor, Department of
Industrial Chemistry, East Yangon University) for their kind help in construction of solar
cabinet dryer with turbo-ventilator. Thanks are also extended to the teaching staff,
especially, Daw Naw Zar Htwe, Daw Aye Thida, Daw Soe Wai Phyo and Daw Myat Yu
Maw, Demonstrators of Industrial Chemistry Department, East Yangon University for their
help in carrying out this research.
Universities Research Journal 2011, Vol. 4, No. 3 413

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Yi Yi Myint et. al., (2007), Study on the Dehydration of Green Onions, Chive (Chinese
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