DESIGN, FABRICATION, AND EVALUATION OF A VERTICAL-TYPE MECHANICAL

This study was conducted to evaluate the vertical-type mechanical dryer in terms of its drying time, drying capacity, electrical consumption, and sensible heat utilization efficiency using banana (Musa acuminate x balbisiana) as the drying sample with varying airflow rates. Based on the results of this study, increasing the airflow rates reduces the time of drying and electrical consumption. The efficiency of the dryer was mostly affected by its environmental condition. It was found that drying in the morning with high ambient temperatures optimizes the efficiency of the dryer. However, the drying capacity of the dryer was not large enough to produce a good economic value for the banana chips as its final product because the dryer was not big enough to produce it on a large-scale. For future studies, researchers are recommended to increase the number of trays of the dryer and increase its dimensions to maximize production. It is also recommended to increase the power rating of the heating element and blower fan to maximize the heat that can be supplied to the dryer.