1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.

1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION Solar dryer can be defined as a special structure that enhances the drying power of the sun and protect the agricultural produce or food from dust, rain, birds, insects and domestic animals while drying. Drying is an excellent way to preserve food and solar food dryers are appropriate food preservation technology for sustainable development. Drying was probably the first ever food preserving method used by man, even before cooking. It involves the removal of moisture from Agricultural produce so as to provide a product that can be safely stored for longer period of time without getting spoiled. Sun drying is the earliest method of drying farm produce ever known to man and it involves simply laying the agricultural products in the sun on mats, roofs or drying floors. This has several disadvantages since the farm produce are laid in the open sky and there is great risk of spoilage due to adverse climatic conditions like rain, wind, moist and dust, loss of produce to birds insects and rodents. It is totally dependent on good weather and very slow drying rate with danger of mould growth, thereby causing deterioration and decomposition of produce. The process also requires large area of land, takes time and is labour intensive.
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With cultural and industrial development, artificial mechanical drying came into practice but this process is highly energy intensive and expensive which ultimately increase product cost. Recently, efforts to improve "sun drying" have led to solar drying. In solar drying, specialized devices that control the drying process and protect agricultural produce from damage by insect pests, dust and rain are used. In comparison to natural "Sun 'drying", solar dryer generates higher temperatures, lower relative humidity, lower product moisture content and reduced spoilage during the drying process. In addition, it takes up less space, takes less time and relatively inexpensive compared to artificial mechanical drying method. Thus, solar drying is a better alternative solution to all the drawbacks of natural drying and artificial mechanical drying. The solar dryer can be seen as one of the solution to the world's food and energy crises. With drying, most agricultural produce can be preserved and this can be achieved more efficiently through the use of solar dryers. 1.2 USEFULNESS OF SOLAR DRYER The solar dryer system is used as replacement to the traditional sun-drying methods. It is mainly used for drying of agricultural produce. It has an improved feature that eliminates the shortcomings inherent in the traditional sun- drying method. Produced or food being dried in this device is therefore
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protected against: rain, dust, birds domestic animals etc. The usefulnes~ of the drying can be outline as follows: 1. The solar dryer, dries faster in the sense that, inside the dryer, it is warmer than outside. 2. The solar dryer system offer less risk of spoilage because of the speed of drying (if the drying process is slow the fruit start to ferment and the product is spoilt) 3. 4. The solar dryer system is labour saving. The quality of food or products dried using this device is better in terms of nutrients, hygiene, texture and colour. 1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The primary aim of this project is to design system that provides move improved features that overcomes and replace the traditional sun-drying method and its limitations, which includes protection against flies, protection against rain, protection against dust, protection against domestic animals etc. The summary of the objective can be stated as followings. 1. To design a solar dryer that extends shelf life of farm produce. 2. Guarantees foods security through out the year.

3.

To ensure that the food or products is protected against rain, dust birds, insects, domestic animals etc.

4.

To know the principles behind the basic construction and operation of a solar drying equipment.

CHAPTER TWO 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW Drying is a method of food preservation that works by removing water from the food which inhibits the growth of micro-organisms and hinders quality decay. Sun drying has been in existence. since the history of man. In ancient times the sun and wind were naturally used to dry food a11d agricultural produce. Evidence shows that the middle east of the world and oriental cultures actively dried food as early as 12,000 B.C in the hot sun. George M. Kaplan (1985). A renowned solar cooker and dryer designer, and

sustainable living expert Barbara Kerr (1999) tells us that food drying is very simple, ancient skill. It requires a safe place to spread the food where dry air in large quantities can pass over and beside thin pieces. Sun is often used to provide the hot dry air. Dry clean air including dry cold air from any source will dehydrate food. According to Barbara Kerr, the old traditional widespread method still in use around the world involves draping food over branches or spreading it on wide shallow baskets on the roof. Many other arrangements have been used to support a thin spread of food pieces. Some of the options that were used in this arrangement include threading the pieces on a cord or a stick and hanging it over a fire, wood stove or from the rafters.

However reports abound in literature on the 18th century works of Archimedes on concentrating the Sun's rays with flat Mirrors, Antoine Lavoisier on solar furnace, Joseph priestly on concentrating rays using lens. In the 19th century, development of solar distillation unit covering 4750 sq meters of land, operated for 40 years and producing 6,000 gallons of water from salt water per day was reported and noted alongside with John Ericson's work on conversion of solar energy into mechanical energy through a device which produced the (146W) for each 9.3m2 of collection surface. Modern research on the use of solar energy started during the 20th century. Development includes the invention of a solar boiler, small powered steam engine and solar battery, but it was difficult to market them in competition with engine running on inexpensive gasoline. During the mid 1970's shortages of oil and natural gas, increase in cost of fuels and the depletion of other resources stimulated efforts in the United States to develop solar energy into a practical power source. Thus, interest was rekindled in the harnessing of solar energy for heating. As a result of this, in the 1970s, Kelin, Beckmann and Duffle (1975, 1976) developed the F-chart methodology based on TRNSYS software simulations. They established correlations between dimensionless design parameters and solar fraction (ratio of the energy supplied by the solar system to the energy
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demand of: the process). This methodology was developed for water and air heating system. However, the focus was not on the drying of agricultural products. The main characteristic of the F- Chart is its simple operation and accessibility to people not skilled in solar energy engineering. At the end of the 1970s and beginning of the 1980s, the first Brazilian studies on application of solar energy in drying processes were done" at UNICAMP by a drying research During this period Santos (1980) studied the use of collectors with beds made of pebbles in in-bin Soy drying. The advantages of this over flat collectors were the lower cost per unit of area, the smaller collector area and the capacity to store energy and to avoid temperature peaks. Modern variations in solar dryer are to build special enclosed drying rack or cabinet to expose the food to a flow, of dry air heated by electricity, propane or solar radiation. In recent time, the design of solar dryer had improved to building of special structure that enhance the drying power of the sun radiation in drying of produce and as well protect the produce from external influences.

CHAPTER THREE 3.0 METHODOLOGY This chapter is focused on the methods employed in the construction of the solar dryer. It reviews the design consideration, description of main components and design analysis. It also discusses the factors guiding material used for the construction, fabrication techniques and engineering analysis and its evaluation as well. 3.1 DESIGN (a) (i) Design Consideration: Temperature: The minimum temperature for drying food is 30c and the maximum is 60c. Therefore, the range of temperature for effective function of the device is 30c60c and any temperature above is 60c, the produce get burnt. (ii) Reliable: Solar dryer is more reliable than any other ' dryers because it dries produce without change in the texture and the nutritional value. (iii) Availability of the materials: Mild steel metal and reflective glasses are cheaply and readily found. Therefore, the choice of using them for the project becomes necessary.
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(iv) Flexibility: The parabolic reflector is made flexible to face the rays for radiation of the sun at any given angle and direction with the aid of an adjustable screw rig and fixture. (v) Portability: The movement of the object from one place to another is possible with the aid of fitted rollers. The rollers not only assist to enhance the portability of the object but also contribute greatly to the setting of the parabolic reflector at the needed direction for effective functioning. (vi) Air gap: It is suggested that for hot climate passive solar dryer, gap or holes of 4mm diameter inlet and air passage and also reduction of exceeds heating of the produce. This enhances the prevention of the produce from being burnt. (vii) Drying items: The device to be designed should be capable to dry vegetables, fruits, roots, tuber crops or chips crop seed and some other. (viii) Availability of power source: Sun being a natural renewable source of energy, not only using for heating purpose can also be applied for drying sake without noticing the rate of consumption. (ix) Choice of reflector: The utilization of aluminum plate as a reflector which enhances the effective reflection of the

radiation to the focal point for proper drying efficiency is considered. (b) (i) Description of the main components Glass Box: As the name implies, this box is constructed using glass with reflecting surface. It houses the food produce to be loaded in the box for drying. The reflective surface of the glass enables the box to retain the heat needed for drying. I t is also provided with air vent at both sides to allow air passage out of the cabinet, thereby releasing the moisture from the produce to aid drying. (See diagram of the box.) (ii) Parabolic Reflector or Concentrator: This is

constructed to have a parabolic shape made possible by assembling sectors (segments) of equal sizes to form a circle. It is incorporated with reflectors made of aluminum sheet that enhance the drying power of the sun by concentrating the heat to a focal point. (See assembling diagram for dimensions). (iii) Box Stand or Hanger: The box stand is constructed with a mild steel pipe. It serves as the seating for the drying box. It has an, adjustment to suit the focal point of the concentrator. (iv) Main Stand: This is the main stand of the device. It is constructed to hold the parabolic reflector in position. It is
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constructed using two circular galvanized steel rod, held in position by mounting rods and crossed side tense rods. It has an elevation pole for adjusting reflector seating to be tilted at the proper angle. The base of the stand is incorporated with three rollers to allow the reflector to be following the direction of the sun. (see assemblies diagrams for more details and dimensions). (c) Design Analysis

Calculation for the focal point of the parabolic reflector 296mm

d = 296mm D = 18000mm

Employed the formula F = D2 16d Where F =focal point of the parabolic reflector. D = Diameter of the parabolic reflector d = depth of the parabolic reflector F = 296 x 16 = F = 684mm
11 (180002) 3240000 4,736

Calculation for the stand of the reflector

820mm

650mm

B A 499.9mm

For the angle U sing Pythagoras theorem [AB]2 + [BC] = [AC]2 = 8202 = [AB2] + 6502 [AB]2 = 8202 - 6502 = 672400 - 422500 = 249900.
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AB = 249900 = 499.9mm Cos A = 8202+ 6202 - 499.9 2 x 820 x 650

672400 + 455500 - 249900.01 = 0.793 1066000 Cos A = 844999.99 = 0.793 1066000 A = Cos-1 = 370,3" Area of the Triangle

D 820mm

650mm A 499.9mm B

Cos A = 844999.99 1066000 Area = 2 x X L x b = L x b = 650 x 499.9 = 324.94mm2

Area of the top circle i.e. reflector rim. d2 A= r2 = or 4 d2 = 4 = 212399.2mm2

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Area of mounting bottom rim d2 =4 = 3.14(610)2 4 = 292284.55mm2 Area of the parabolic reflector d2 = 3.14 x 18002= 2545020mm2 4 Total area of the whole body AT = 324.94+212399.2+292284.55+2545020 = 3050028.69mm2 Weight of the device i.e. the parabolic reflector and its sta is = 35kg (i.e. the weight weighed by using electronic weighing machine). Thus, 35 x 9.81 = 343.35N. Therefore stress, =
343.25 1745008.69

= 1.96 x 10- 4N/mm2

Now, taking 3 as the factor safety. Recall that; Factor of safety

Ultimate =stress Working stress

Ultimate Stress = Factor of Safety x Working Stress

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Ultimate Stress = 3 x 1.96 x 10-4 = 7.9 X 10-4 N/mm2 Calculation for the dryer box

283mm
A C

302

B
100m m

100mm 210

310mm

Area of fig. A = L x b = 302 x 100 = 30,200mm2 Area of fig. B = Lx b = 210 x 100 = 2100mm2 Area of fig. C = b x h = X 210 x 202 = 21,210mm 2 :.'The area of the dryer box = 30,200 + 21,000 + 21,210 = 73, 250mm2 Mass of the box = 3kg Weight of the box 3 x 9.81 = 29.43N Mass of a piece of a meat = 0. 12kg
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Mass of 20 piece of meat = 0.12 x 20 = 2kg .I Weight of a piece of meat = 0.12 x 9.81 = 1.18N Weight of 20 pieces of meat = 1.18 x 20 = 23.6N Total weight =.weight of the box + weight of 20 pieces meat = 29.43 + 23.544 = 52.974N Area of the dryer stand = Area of the box seat + Area of pipe A + pipe B.

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BOX SEAT

320mm

320mm

Area of box seat = L x B = 320 x 320 = 102 400mm2

Pipe A 25mm

910mm

Curve surface area of pipe A= base circumference x height Curve surface area A = 2r x h = dh = 3.142 x 25 x 910 = 71480.5mm2

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Note: r = d 2
Pipe B 700mm

30mm

Curve surface area of pipe B = 2rh = dh = 3.142 x 30 x 700 = 65982mm2 Area of the dryer stand = 102400 + 71480.5 + 65982 = 239862.5mm2 Total area = Area of dryer box "+ area of the dryer stand = 66575 + 239862.5 = 306437.5mm2 Mass of the dryer stand = 7kg Weight of the dryer stand = 7 x 9.81= 68.67N Stress = Weight/ Area Stress weight on the stand
Total weight on the stand Total area =

Total weight = weight of box and 20pieces of meat + weight of stand

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Weight of box and 20 pieces of meat = 52.974N Weight of the stand = 68.67N Total weight on the dryer stand = 52.974N + 68.67N = 121.644N Recalling that total area = 306437.5mm2 :. The stress = 121.644 = 3. 969 x 10 -4 N/mm2 306437.5 Due to variation in the load i.e, items to be dried, let factor of safety be 1.5. Ultimate stress = allowable working stress x Factor of safety Allowable working stress = 3.969x 10-4 N/mm2 Factor of safety = 1. 5 :. Ultimate (M) = 3.969 X 10-4 x 1.5 = 5.9535 X 10-4 N/mm2 Note: 3.969 x 10-4 N/mm2 = Allowable working stress. 3.2 Material Selection For the construction of this device, the selection of materials used was based on its availability and cost.
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As a result of this, two main materials were considered and used for the construction of the device. (a) Carbon steel: This is also called plain carbon steel. It is a steel where the main interstitial alloying constituents is carbon. According to American iron and steel Institute (AISI) defines carbon steel as a steel in which no minimum content is specified or required for chromium, cobalt molybdenum etc. In the construction, carbon steel was the stand of the box and the parabolic reflector, then carbon mild steel was used for the construction of the sectors or segment that form the parabolic reflector. Apart from the availability and affordability of this carbon steel, it is a good choice for construction because of its availability and hardness though it has some disadvantages such as poor resistance to corrosion and less brittle. Aluminium: It was used as a reflector because of its shinning nature. (b) Glass: This was used for the construction of the box. It was considered because of its transparent nature and to allow easy penetration of solar energy (heart from sun). It is constructed with its reflective surface inside the box to allow reflection of heat in the box thereby retaining the heat needed for drying.

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3.3 THEORETICAL BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY The movement of the sun's ray follows the laws of refraction. This is illustrated as follows: Movement of sun-rays
Incident rays

i
Glass (medium of ray transfer)

Refracted rays in the solar box

LAWS OF REFRACTION The laws of refraction state as follows

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(i)

The incident and refracted rays are on opposite sides of the normal at the point of incidence and all three are in the same plane.

(ii)

Also know as snell's law. The ratio of the sine of the angle of incidence to the angle of the angle of; refraction is a constant for a given pair of media.

N AO = incident ray OB = Refracted ray NNI = Normal I = Angel of incident r = Angel of refraction

Air Glass

O r

Refraction of Light (Sun) N

S1

E1 E
2

Refracted rays through the glass block

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Straight line SS is representing the surface separation between air and glass ,is drawn in a sheet of drawing paper on a drawing-board together with a normal on and several lines at various .angles to on to represent incident rays from the sun (solar) generation power sources. A line TT' to represent the lower edge of the glass block is now drawn. Without moving the ruler, the block is now placed carefully in contact with the ruler. The two lines SS' and If' should now coincide exactly with the upper and lower vertical face of the block.

Sun (light Incident rays S1

Glass medium

T1

REFRACTIVE INDEX

Refracted rays in the solar box

The value of the constant sin i for a ray passing from one medium to sin r another is called the refractive index of the second medium with respect to the first, and is denoted by the symbol n.

SNELLS LAW OF REFRACTION

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B P
1

P2 S O S1

E1 E
2

T1

For simplicity, only one pair of rays has been shown, we see that: Sin i Therefore Sin r = AB and sin r = CD AO CO sin = i AO AB x CO CD

AO = CO (radii of circle) Therefore sin i Sin r = AB CD

For each pair of. rays, AB and CD are measured and recorded in a table. The AB/CD Should be found constant, thus verifying snell's law. Thus, if any ray passes from air into glass, the refractive index of water = n = Sin i/Sin r.
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3.4 FABRICATION TECHNIQUES Fabrication is simply the process of constructing a mechanical structure or device by bringing together the various components or parts using any of the method of joining. This includes welding, bracing, soldering, bonding, riveting and bolting.

(a) Joining Method: For the purpose of this design, the joining methods of this device are: (i) (ii) Welding Bolt and nuts

(iii) Adhesive bonding Welding process was applied for the; construction of the stands using a welding machine and electrodes. However, the major coupling and assembling was done with bolts and nuts cap screws, and machine screw. They were used to fasten and hold together the sectors (segments) that form the parabolic shape reflector. The joining of the glass box was mainly done by adhesive materials e.g. glue.
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(b)

Machining Process: Greater part of this project was

achieved by machining. The machining process undertaken during the construction of this device involves the cutting and machining of the plain mild steel plate to form a parabolic shaped sectors (segments) used for the reflector. Other operation carried out is the cutting of the glass using diamond cutter. During the machining processes, the materials (i.e. plain glass and carbon mild steel plate) were measured, marked and cut to require sizes and shapes as presented in the working diagrams. (see assembling diagram). (c) Surface finishing: This refers to the general broad range of industrial process that alters the surface of the manufactured item to achieve a certain property. The finishing processes 'employed in this work are: sand papering, filing, internal and.:, external cleaning and painting of the device (solar dryer). This process was employed to improve the appearance and smoothness of the manufactured solar drying device, as well as to control the surface friction.

3.5 ENGINEERING ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION (a) Cost analysis and Evaluation: the following cost and Evaluations were made on the construction of this solar dryer
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S/N QTY 1. 2. 3. 4. 4 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 1 3 2 1 4 4 2 1 2 3

Description of material Sheet of plain glass Sheet of mild carbon steel plate full length Galvanize pipe Pack of electrode Roll of sand paper Pack of bolt and nuts Rubber roller stand Tins of oil paint Brush Merge wire Hinges Aluminum cardboard sheet Machining shop Miscellaneous Total

Length & Rate Thickness 1500mm x700mm 7,800 1800mm x 4,730 900mm 200mm long 3,300 1,800 350 1,600 450 375 300 900 220 x 3,000 8,000 4,000

Cost 7,800 14,190 6,600 1,800 350 1,600 1,800 1,500 300 900 550 9,000 8,000 4,000 N 58,390
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1800mm 900mm

(b)

Tools used 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Hammer Chisel Drilling Machine Drilling Bit Diamond cutter

6. 7. 8. 9.

T-Square Plier Tape Centre Punch

10. Riveting machine 11. Wood Bench 12. Screw driver 13. Hand file.

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FUNCTION OF THE TOOLS USED

TOOLS Hammer

FUNCTION Used for striking the head of the chisels and center punch Center punch For creating dots on the work-piece to enable drill bit centre itself for operation Tape Used for the measurement of the various component Diamond glass It is used for the cutting of the plane glass into their cutter required pattern. Drilling machine Generation of holes on the work-piece fixed in drilling bits the drilling chuck to generate the required holes Hack saw for cutting and sawing aluminum frames Vice Hold work-piece in position Drawing set, Tee square and drawing board Hand file Used for the preparation of working diagrams Removal of small particles of metal from the work-piece For the smoothing of the ply-wood Used for the painting of the ply wood Cuts the aluminum frames Into different dimensioned parts It is used for the Auto-card Design of the drawing in the system

Riveting machine Used for the riveting of rivet screws Sand paper Hand brush Cutting machine Computer System (laptop)

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CHAPTER FOUR 4.0 EXPERIMENTATION/TESTING OF RESULT 4.1 EXPERIMENTATION AND TESTING The testing of the solar dryer was done in the month of December for 3days. The solar dryer was placed outside with the concentrator or reflector facing the direction of the sun. The parabolic concentrator has been rigidly fixed to its stand at an angle approximately 45c to the horizontal to obtain approximately perpendicular beam of sun rays. A fresh fish weighing 1.5 kg was cut into 3 pieces and arranged on the drying bed in single layer. The dryer chamber door was closed and placed in position. The result obtained for hourly reading of 6 hours everyday is tabulated in the table 1-3. 4.2 RESULT Result on 17th December, 2012 Table 1: Variation of temperature with time on the first day. Day Time Ts (C0) Tp (C0) MA AND DISCUSSION

10am 28 40 1.5

11am 30 48

12pm 33 51

1pm 35 55

2pm 35 58

3pm 32 54

4pm 40 56 1.28
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(kg) Ts (CO) = Temperature of the sun. Tp (CO) = Temperature of the drying chamber. M 1 = Mass of fish at 10am M2 = Mass of fish at 4pm Moisture removed = Ml- M2 = 1.5- 1.28 = 0.22kg. Result on 18th December, 2012. Table 2: Variation of temperature with time on the second Day. Day 2 Time 10am 11am 0 Ts (C ) 25 27 0 Tp (C ) 38 42 MA 1.28 (kg) Ml = 1.28, M21.13

12pm 30 50

1pm 32 55

2pm 32 58

3pm 31 55

4pm 30 52 1.13

Moisture removed = 1.28 - 1.13 = 0.15kg Result on 19th December, 2012. Table 3: Variation of Temperature with time on the third Day. Day Time Ts (C0) Tp (C0) MA (kg)

10am 29 40 1.13

11am 33 42

12pm 35 47

1pm 33 48

2pm 31 55

3pm 30 49

4pm 27 50 1.03

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M1 = 1.13, M2 1.03 1.13 -1.03=0.10kg 4.3 DISCUSSION OF RESULTS Based on the results obtained during the test of the solar dryer, temperature a9ove 45c was recorded against ambient temperature in the drying chamber, large quantity of moisture O.22kg was removed on the first day because the fish was fresh and full of moisture and it was easy for evaporation to take place. As the fish dried, the skin becomes harden and rate of evaporation reduced, so quantity of moisture removed on the third day reduced to 0.10kg. Table 1 to 3 shows the variations of inside temperature of the drying chamber with respect to time. 4.4 MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY The solar dryer should not be mishandled, over loaded and never left out in the rain. The only maintenance it should need is cleaning of the reflector surface. Since the aluminized cardboard sheet used on the surface of reflector attracts dust, it should be lightly wiped periodically with a soft, dry cloth. The dryer's box should be cleaned always after use. It should also be lightly wiped allover with a wet cloth. The dryer's box should be handled with great care since it is constructed with glass which makes it more fragile than any other component of the device. When not in use, the solar
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dryer should be stored out of the sun or covered with a waterproof cover. Other components such as the box stand and reflector stand should be inspected and painted from time to time to avoid rust.

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CHAPTER FIVE 5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 5.1 CONCLUSION In conclusion, the need for the construction of a solar dryer arose as an alternative to ordinary sun-drying technique. Base on the results obtained during test, temperature above 45c was recorded. This high temperature in the drying chamber cause 0.22 kg" of moisture will be removed on the first day, 0.15kg on the second day and 0.10kg on the third day. At the end of the, third day, the mass of 1.5 kg of fresh fish was reduced to 1.03kg. Total amount of moisture removed was 0.47kg which is the required amount for safe storage of fish. 5.2 RECOMMENDATION To use the solar dryer, simply place the solar box on it's stand facing the parabolic reflector and adjusts the tilted angle of the parabolic reflector through the elevation pole until the box shadow falls in the centre of the parabolic reflector for the best focus to be obtained. This is about 684mm from the depth of the reflector. The parabolic reflector stand holds the reflector and allows it to be rotated to follow the sun as it moves across the sky.
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The device should be use in area, where sunshine is plentiful. The performance of the solar dryer can still be improved upon especially in the aspect of reducing the drying time and probably storage of heat within the system. Also, meteorological data should be readily available to designer, and users of solar products. Proper account of heat loss, reflective power of the reflector and focal point of the systems should be considered to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness of the system on further design. Further recommendation on usage is considered as follows: 1. Pre-treatment of the food such as blanching (boiling/ steaming) before drying is advisable. 2. Effective drying is accomplished with a combination of heat and air movement. 3. Typical drying time ranges from 1 to 3 days depending on sun, air movement humidity, quantity and type of food. 4. Food to be loaded in the box should be cut into thin slice and spread out to allow free air movement. 5. Allow food to cool completely before storing.

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REFERENCES Beckman W. A. Klein S. A. and Duffie J. A. (1977), Solar heating Design Published by John Wiley 1st edition, New York. Barbara K. (1999). The design of solar dryer and cooker, published by stainable living center, Arizona, U.S.A. Duffie J. A. and Beckman W. A. (1991), Solar Engineering of thermal process, 2nd edition. Published by John Wiley, New York. George M. Kaplan (1985). Understanding Solar Concentrators, Published by VITA, USA. Harringshaw, D. (1997). All about food drying. Published Ohio State, University. Olaleye D. O. (2008), the design and construction of Solar Incubator. Project Report submitted to Department of Mechanical Abeokuta. Sukhatme S. p. (1996), solar energy. Principles of thermal collection and storage, McGraw Hill Publishing Company. Whitefield D. E. (2000) solar dryer system and the internet. Important resources to improve food preparation, Engineering University of Agricultural

proceedings of international conference on solar cooking. Kimberly South Africa.

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