| This paper is a part of the former research project on the industrialization of solar flower drying technology.Yunnan Province is abundant in fresh flowers and solar radiation , so using the solar drying technology to develop dried flower industry will improve our economic construction. Based on the "solar plum drying project" , we studied the drying characteristics of flowers in laboratory , then designed and developed a solar dryer and field experimented aiming at the special material—fresh flowers.To get the appropriate parameter for flower drying and guide the dryer design, a series experiments on drying characteristics of flowers are carried in laboratory. Some conclusions are drawn: the initial containing water rate of flowers is about 80 percent(based on wet material); the appropriate flowers drying temperature is 50~60℃; more wind is necessary in flowers drying .According to the above conclusions , the experiences of "solar plum drying project" and the results that use the solar plum dryer to dry flowers, we developed a solar dryer that fits for fresh flowers. The dryer is consisted of air collectors and a green cabinet, and the air heated by the device is circulated by fans that are powered by a photovoltaic module. A series of field examination on such a device for the drying of fresh flowers was conducted. This experiment proved that using solar energy to drying flowers is feasible. The shape , colour and success rate of product were improved. And the device is structurally reasonable with few dead angles and evident rise of temperature . During the shinning days, we can gain dried flowers in about three days with 15kg load of fresh flowers. Result of technological and economic assessment on this dezice showed that the repayment period of the device is 4.6 year. The utilization of solar energy for flowers drying can save fusil energy and reduce the pollution on dried flowers and our environment, the dried product is cleanly and without peculiar smell. |
PDF Full Text Request