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ORIGINAL PAPER
Development and performance evaluation of a hybrid solar dryer using pumpkin fruit. Part 1. Material and Methods
1
Post-harvest Engineering Research Department, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Kano Zonal Office, Nigeria, Nigeria
2
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
3
Perishable Crop Research Department, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Kano Zonal Office, Nigeria, Nigeria
4
Research Outreach Department,, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Kano Zonal Office, Nigeria, Nigeria
Submission date: 2025-07-17
Final revision date: 2025-12-14
Acceptance date: 2025-12-18
Online publication date: 2025-12-19
Publication date: 2025-12-19
Corresponding author
Jude Joel
Post-harvest Engineering Research Department, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Kano Zonal Office, Nigeria, Nigeria
Post-harvest Engineering Research Department, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Kano Zonal Office, Nigeria, Nigeria
Journal of Research and Applications in Agricultural Engineering 2025;70(2):39-46
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
The first part of our research describes the methodology for the development of a hybrid dryer and presents the methods of the study along with the general results obtained. The study presents the design, development, and performance evaluation of a hybrid solar dryer for dehydrating pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) slices. The dryer integrates solar energy with a DC-powered electrical heating coil to ensure uninterrupted drying and stable thermal conditions during periods of low solar radiation. The system comprises a lagged mild-steel drying chamber, five stainless-steel trays, a centrifugal blower, temperature and humidity control sensors, and a solar-battery power arrangement. Engineering design analyses were conducted to determine heat energy requirements, moisture removal needs, airflow capacity, blower sizing, and solar energy specifications. Performance evaluation was carried out on pumpkin slices of 3 mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm thickness, assessing drying rate, moisture reduction, drying efficiency, shrinkage, rehydration behaviour, colour quality, microbial load, and proximate composition. The hybrid dryer demonstrated efficient heat utilization, improved drying uniformity, and enhanced product quality compared with traditional sun-drying. The results indicate that the developed system offers a reliable and energy-efficient solution for reducing post-harvest losses and improving value addition in pumpkin processing.
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