Feasibility Study and Performance Evaluation (Simulation) of Solar Dryer for Akaki Spare Part and Hand Tools Share Company Moulding Sand Drying Mechanism
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Date
2011-11
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
ilica sand is sand that is used for molding processes. When a catalyst is added to it, it
develops the bonding characteristics of the raisin, which binds the silica sand together.
Its moisture content (17.24% initial and 0.5% final moisture content) is extremely critical
sand additive that can be greatly impact casting quality. In this study flat plate solar
collector was used because, it is the most important type of solar collector and it is simple
in design, has no moving parts and requires little maintenance. The analysis of heat
transfer coefficient (losses) through flat plate collector was discussed and the techniques
that used to reduce these losses also mentioned (by using insulation). Mathematical
modeling of solar dryer and drying chamber was described. This paper presents designs
and performance evaluation of solar dryer for silica sand with its cost estimation. In the
dryer, the heated air from a separate solar collector is passed through a tray, and at the
same time, vertical blackened wall of the drying chamber, which is exposed to solar
radiation. The results obtained during the test period revealed that the temperatures,
moisture removed, drying rate and drying efficiency through dying chamber were
decreasing during its upraise path. Initial cost of model solar dryer was estimated (2805
ETB). The number of dryer required is eleven so the total cost is equal to 30855ETB
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Mechanical Engineering