Mindanao State University

College of Engineering
ME195: Research Methods

1Technical Report # 1 ( First Submission;  Revised Version)

2Effects of Using Fresnel lens to the Performance of

3Solar dryer

4Shaina Espadila Musa 1

1
5 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mindanao State University, General Santos City 9500. Philippines;
6 shainamusa21@gmail.com

7 Research Instructor: Engr. Irene Lara M. Abad

8 Date Submitted: September 18, 2019

9 Keywords: Preservation; Solar energy; Efficiency; Natural Convection

10

111. Background of the Study

12 Solar drying of food product is essential and most viable solution to the world’s food problem of
13food loss, which occurs due to various reasons such as lack of suitable technology, lack of marketing
14channels, improper transportation, etc. The food preservation by solar drying is the only method to
15reduce food loss that is being adopted. The type of dryer depends on product and the drying process
16required for that particular type of product. Basically the drying process involves the migration of
17water from interior of the product to be dried on the surface for its evaporation and therefore it is a heat
18and mass transfer phenomenon (P.Barnwal etal.,2008). For this purpose the dryer makes use of Fresnel
19lens to capture solar energy to heat the products placed in the closed chamber. The Fresnel lens has
20superior properties compared to normal double convex lens which increases the rate and efficiency of
21drying. Unlike the direct sunlight drying the aim of this drying method is to be safer, faster, economical
22and hygienic.
23
24 The study will design a new type of solar dryer that is faster, hygienic and efficient than the usual
25way of drying method. Most of the solar dryers are artificial dryers and some of them were powered
26electrically or by natural fuels. This study presents a report on the development and performance
27evaluation of an enhance Fresnel lens solar dryer. This is used with the aim of increasing heat transfer
28area exposed to the flowing air through the collector in order to achieve high temperature and high
29efficiency.

301.1. Statement of the Problem

31 The usual methods of drying of food products are exposed in external bodies which can
32contaminate the products and also the moisture in the atmosphere also have an effect to the quality of
33the food. Another concern is the large area needed for direct sunlight drying. Generally, the purpose of
34this study is to evaluate and develop a new type of solar dryer and compared it to direct sunlight
35drying methods. Specifically, it aims to answer the following questions:
36
37 1. How convenient is the Fresnel lens solar dryer for drying?
38 2. Does the mirror reflector will help to heat up the flowing air?

ME195, Research Methods, A.Y. 2019-2020

 ME195, Research Methods, A.Y. 2019-2020 Page 2 of 2

39 3. What will happen to the quality of the product in terms of appearance and texture after
40 undergoing the process?
41 4. What are the effects of variations of air-inlet area on the drying process?
42 The study will be a cabinet type that will enclosed the product to ensure it’s clean quality and
43 considering the moisture trap inside.

44Goal/s and Objective/s of the Study

45 This study will give ideas and points on improving the design of an environmental-friendly,
46more economical and more efficient solar dryer. Thus, this study will aim to compare the performance
47of a solar dryer with and without Fresnel lens during daytime to dry fish efficiently. Also, this
48experiment could be the basis for a dryer which can easily be developed and constructed with materials
49that are readily available in local market.