An experimental study was conducted in to compare the drying effect of Copra in three different modes of drying. The moisture content of copra is reduced from 55% (w.b.) 6% (w.b.) in open sun drying, solar only mode and solar-biomass mode. It is found that it requires 48 hours in solar-biomass mode, 51 hours in solar only mode, 94 hours in open sun drying. The drying efficiency is found to be 26.7% in solar only mode and 32.5% in solar-biomass mode. The quality of the product obtained in solar-biomass mode is much better when compared to open sun drying and solar only mode.
Copra, Biomass air heating system, Solar tunnel dryer, Drying efficiency, Coconut oil
