Design And Fabrication of an On-Farm Multipurpose Cabinet Dryer

Izuchukwu Okafor; John Olanrewaju; Sylvester Obiakor; Enyeluibe Ojukwu; Andrew Tsee; Fouad Willoughby; Uchenna Okoro; Jelili Oyedokun

doi:10.5937/jpea28-55520

Izuchukwu John Okafor Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8668-3155
Dr. John Seye Olanrewaju National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), Ilorin, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9232-8788
Sylvester Chukwujekwu Obiakor National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), Ilorin, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5371-7834
Enyeluibe Onyukwu Ojukwu National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), Ilorin, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5740-0768
Andrew Ternenge Tsee National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), Ilorin, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0718-8853
Fouad Ayinde Willoughby National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), Ilorin, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1353-0788
Uchenna Peter Okoro National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), Ilorin, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6477-1812
Jelili Aremu Oyedokun National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), Ilorin, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2877-393X

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5937/jpea28-55520

Keywords: On-farm drying, cabinet dryer, solid fuel energy, , mobile dryer, solar-powered fans

Abstract

The design and fabrication of an on-farm multipurpose cabinet dryer were carried out to address the drying needs of small and medium-scale farmers by providing an efficient, mobile, and sustainable solution for post-harvest processing. The dryer operates with a required air volume of 31.8 m³/min, powered by a blower with a speed of 36,083 rpm, a pressure coefficient of 0.65, and a flow coefficient of 0.69, requiring 162 kW of power input. Heat transfer calculations indicated conduction heat transfer of 21,600 W/m.K, convection at 5.8 x 10⁵ W/m².K, and radiation at 1.85 x 10²¹ W/m², with an overall heat transfer coefficient of 1.85 x 10²¹ W/m².K. The energy source for the dryer is solid fuel, and the design incorporates a lagged drying chamber to minimize heat loss. A fan is mounted on top of the chamber for regulated exhaust of humid air, while solar power operates the fans for energy efficiency. Mobility is enhanced through two wheels, and the blower is connected to the heat exchanger through a frustum-shaped vacuum to ensure even air distribution. Key considerations included the availability of materials, cost, and durability, resulting in an efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable drying solution suitable for on-farm and off-farm operations. This dryer is expected to significantly improve crop drying processes, enhance productivity, and reduce post-harvest losses.

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