ENERGY CONSERVATION IN DRYING OF FRUITS IN TUNNEL DEHYDRATORS
Department of Agricultural Engineering.
ABSTRACT
This study reports the energy use and thermal losses associated with tunnel dehydrators and discusses methods of increasing energy efficiency. These dehydrators can operate with an efficiency of water removal greater than 50%. It is shown that energy conservation techniques such as minimizing air leakage, increasing air recirculation, utilizing a furnace heat shield to prevent heat losses, and maximizing input can result in significant energy savings.