Optimizing Solar Drying Chamber Performance: Taguchi Analysis of Uniformity Enhancement Methods

Solar drying is an ancient yet sustainable method for preserving agricultural products. However, a key challenge in this process is achieving uniform airflow distribution, as uneven airflow can result in inconsistent drying and reduced product quality. To address this issue, the study incorporates flow enhancement tools such as baffles and swirlers to the plenum of the drying chamber. The result revealed that the presence of baffles and a swirler significantly enhances drying uniformity and temperature distribution in solar dryers. Thus, the rectangular baffles significantly enhance drying rate and uniformity, reducing temperature gradients from 4.2–8.7°C to 1.2–6.8°C. Triangular baffles also improved moisture removal and thermal distribution, with temperature differences narrowing to 1.0–3.3°C. Swirlers optimized drying uniformity across trays and enhanced heat distribution, lowering temperature gradients from 5.0–7.3°C to 2.0–4.8°C. The study also employed Taguchi analysis to determine the optimal enhancement method and identify the ideal operational parameters. Solar intensity and the temperature entering the drying chamber are the primary factors influencing drying process. Furthermore, the implementation of enhancement methods showed a notable improvement in drying uniformity, as confirmed by the Taguchi analysis results.