• Energy Research

Abstract This study focusses on the experimental analyses of two active horizontal solar dryers viz., mixed mode (Case-I) and indirect solar dryer (Case-II) integrated with latent heat storage system designed for drying Piper nigrum (black pepper). The drying time required to reach the desired moisture content of 0.14(d.b) from 3.46 (d b) in both cases were 14 h and 23 h, respectively. While, it took 59 h in open sun drying (case-III). The developed dryers operated in case-I and case-II saved 76% and 60% of drying time respectively compared to case-III. Form economic point of view, the developed solar dryers are more beneficial. It is seen that the overall dryer efficiency of the case-I is 20% higher than case-II. Quality analyses in terms of proximity analysis and anti-oxidants of the fresh and dried samples in all the three cases were carried out. The carbohydrates and protein values were rich in case-I compared to other two cases. The anti-oxidant contents of samples dried in case-I and case-III were 45.69 μ mol TE/g sample and 23.25 μ mol TE/g sample, respectively. The ash substance of the samples dried under case-III was high compared to the other two cases.