Palm | Kelapa Sawit

ABSTRACT: Application of solar energy in food processing industry is mainly limited to drying operation. Solar vegetable-fruit dryers, operating below 55 degree centigrade, are used for the purpose. In recent years many solar gadgets have been developed for variety of applications.

Different solar concentrators can provide excellent boiling, steaming, blanching and roasting capabilities while solar air dryers/heaters can effectively remove moisture. Efforts are required to integrate knowledge of food processing with capabilities of available solar thermal gadgets. Field trials on variety of solar gadgets like ‘Parabolic Concentrators’, box ovens and solar dehydrators show not only huge fuel savings but also great value addition because of better quality of produce in terms of color, aroma and taste. Because of excellent consistent quality, materials processed on these units can enjoy great market potential, in-house and for exports as well. Extremely low capital investment in this technology makes it financially viable.

Keywords: solar, vegetable, fruit, dryer, food-processing, quality, concentrator