Mathematical modelling and experimental validation of solar drying of mushrooms |
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| Authors: | M M Rahman Saad Mekhilef R Saidur A G M Mustayen Billah S M A Rahman |
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| Institution: | 1. School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia;2. Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia;3. Centre of Research Excellence in Renewable Energy (CoRE-RE), Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum &4. Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia;5. Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Malaya, Kualalumpur, Malaysia;6. Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering, Sharjah University, University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates |
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| Abstract: | This article presents two mathematical models for drying mushrooms considering the shrinkage effect. Both the models consider the physical changes of mushrooms during drying using the diffusion equation. A convective term is presented in the first model while, in the second model, the effective diffusion co-efficient is employed. Although the diffusion co-efficient is mainly dependent on the water content of the mushrooms, both models are suitable for analyzing the drying process. Moreover, in this study it has been demonstrated that both models are equivalent. The Genetic Algorithmic process was used to estimate the parameter values in different conditions. The information regarding the moisture content and the thickness evaluation taken from the models shows the best fit with the experimental data. The mathematical models developed to simulate the drying curve of mushroom have been evaluated and compared. |
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| Keywords: | Mathematical models oyster gray mushroom scanning electron microscopy shrinkage solar drying |
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