DESIGN, CFD ANALYSIS, AND FABRICATION OF A SOLAR-DRIVEN MECHANICAL CROP DRYER WITH MOISTURE REGULATION

This study presents the design, fabrication, and computational validation of a solardriven crop dryer engineered to enhance agricultural preservation by reducing drying time compared to traditional open-sun methods. The prototype utilizes a 2’ x 2’ x 1.5’ wooden enclosure for superior insulation and a polycarbonate sheet to harness solar energy through the greenhouse effect. A 5W solar panel powers a 5V DC fan to facilitate forced convection across three Mild Steel (MS) trays, while manual moisture regulation prevents the stagnation of humid air. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted to optimize internal airflow and heat distribution. Experimental results demonstrate that the system maintains internal temperatures significantly higher than ambient levels, providing a cost-effective and hygienic solution for small-scale farmers.