Search

• Experimentally studied the drying behaviour of cluster fig loaded in MFCSCD. • Dryer efficiency, SMER and pickup efficiency were analysed at different conditions. • The maximum dryer efficiency was 40.9% at a mass flow rate of 3.72 kg/min. • Wang and Singh model is suited for predicting the drying behaviour of cluster fig. • Sample dried in MFCSCD has high amount of TPC and antioxidant activity. A Mixed-mode Forced Convection Solar Cabinet Dryer (MFCSCD) is designed for the maximum harnessing of solar radiation. It utilizes the direct heat from solar radiation through glass cover as well as preheated air from two solar air heaters (SAHs) fixed in series having a double pass. The experimental research works were performed in the metrological conditions of Guwahati, India. The drying performance of MFCSCD was analyzed under different air mass flow rates in terms of specific moisture extraction rate (SMER), pickup efficiency, and dryer efficiency for the drying of cluster fig. Further, a thin layer drying kinetics analysis was carried out to find the best suited mathematical model for representing the drying behavior of cluster fig in MFCSCD and open sun drying. Cluster fig dried from moisture content (MC) of 5.67 to 0.08 kg/kg on a dry basis in 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.5 h at airflow rates of 3.72, 2.76, 1.8, and 1.08 kg/min, respectively, whereas it took 14 h to attain the same moisture level under open sun drying. The experimental results showed higher dryer and pickup efficiencies and SMER at 3.72 kg/min air flow rate. The quality analyses of solar and sun-dried were carried out to estimate the total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and rehydration ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]