Performance Evaluation and Effectiveness of a Solar-Biomass Hybrid Dryer for Drying Homogeneous of Cocoa Beans Using LabView Software and Arduino Hardware

Abstract

The research evaluates the performance and effectiveness of a solar-biomass hybrid prototype for drying cocoa beans, which takes advantage of solar energy in the application area and the calorific value of the dried cocoa pod shell, performing a continuous drying in 36 h, reducing the time by 70% compared to traditional drying. The experimental tests of this technology were carried out in the Department of Santander in northeast Colombia. The equipment has a cylindrical mesh drum, coupled to a rotation system that rotates in specific periods of time, allowing a homogeneous drying of the almonds deposited in it. The electrical and electronic systems are powered by photovoltaic energy. The programming carried out with LabView allows to control and maintain the thermodynamic conditions of the air (e.g. temperature below 60 °C) of drying, guaranteeing the final quality and a humidity of the grain that varies between 6.5 to 7.5%.