Hybrid Solar Drying System for Salted Silver Jewfish

This research aimed to investigate the drying behaviour of salted silver jewfish using a hybrid solar drying system and to compare its performance with traditional open sun drying.

The study focused on improving drying efficiency, reducing moisture content effectively, and developing mathematical models to describe the drying process.

The research began with the design and construction of a hybrid solar dryer. The system consisted of a solar air collector, a drying chamber, and airflow control components. Fresh salted fish samples were prepared and placed inside the drying chamber. Experiments were conducted under controlled conditions, while environmental factors such as temperature, solar radiation, and humidity were continuously monitored. At the same time, open sun drying was performed as a comparison method.

Moisture content was measured throughout the drying process. The results showed that the hybrid solar drying system significantly reduced drying time compared to open sun drying. The controlled environment inside the dryer allowed higher temperatures and lower humidity levels, which improved the rate of moisture removal. In contrast, open sun drying was slower and more affected by external environmental changes.

To better understand the drying behaviour, several mathematical drying models were tested. These models were evaluated based on their ability to predict moisture changes accurately. A modified model provided the best fit, showing strong agreement between predicted and experimental data. This confirms that mathematical modelling can effectively describe the drying kinetics of salted fish.

Energy and efficiency analyses were also carried out. The hybrid system demonstrated reasonable energy consumption and good thermal performance. The system was able to convert solar energy into useful heat efficiently, supporting continuous drying even with varying solar conditions. Exergy analysis further showed that there is still potential for improving system performance, especially in reducing energy losses.

Overall, the study shows that hybrid solar drying is a reliable and efficient method for preserving salted silver jewfish. It offers clear advantages over traditional open sun drying, including faster drying time, better product quality, and improved control over drying conditions. The integration of experimental data with mathematical modelling provides a strong foundation for further optimisation of solar drying systems in food processing applications.

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