A. SREEKUMAR BAIJU JOHN C SUDHA KARTHA and K. P.VIJAYAKUMAR Dept. of Physics, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi-682 022

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GEORGE PETER PITTAPPILLIL Mithradham, Renewable Energy Centre, Aluva, Kochi

1. INTRODUCTION

Agriculture is the backbone of India. The heart of India lies in its ploughing fields. Having the largest human resource base of around 700 million with a contributing share of 26 percent of GDP, the Indian agricultural sector has assumed greater importance in the development of India in rural perspectives. Agriculture development is a key to eradicate poverty, ensure food security, generate demand for industrial goods and promote overall development. Hence, it is important to develop post-harvesting technology for agricultural products for its value addition.

Drying is one of the most practical methods for preserving the quality of agricultural products. Solar drying as a means of food preservation has been considered as one of the most promising areas for the utilization of solar energy. The customary technique adopted by the farmers is open sun drying and it is associated with so many disadvantages like dust contamination, insect infestation and spoilage due to rains. The product dried in this way is not sufficiently of high quality/standard for the market (local or international) and cannot therefore be sold at competitive prices. As a result, new drying methods with conventional heat sources have been widely developed and used in order to solve these problems. Conventional drying technique utilizes large scale, fossil fired air dries. In many cases the hot combustion gases are passed directly through the product, which is often contaminated by unburned fuel, fumes and soot. Electrical heating of air for drying is preferred, but it is very expensive and not feasible in rural areas of developing countries. Because of energy crisis and intensive energy consumption in the drying process, solar drying has been studied widely in many countries in order to reduce cost and substitute conventional energy. More over our country receives a high degree of solar radiation throughout the year and it is free for taking and non-polluting.

Chilli is the universal spice of India. As per the latest statistics, India produced 8,00,100 tonnes of dry chilli from an area of 9,30,000 hectare. No country in the world has so much area and production of chilli as in India. This paper analyzes the design details and performance analysis conducted in 165 m2 solar air heating system for drying one tonne fresh chilli per batch. The prime objective of the project is the production of hygienically processed chilli to meet market needs particularly for exports.