Performance Analysis of a Desiccant Evaporative Cooling System for Mango Fruit Storage in the Savannah and Transitional Zones of Ghana
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Abstract
Performance analysis of a 1.0 tonne desiccant evaporative cooling storage structure for mango fruits was studied. The study examined the effects of inlet air conditions and water flow rates through an absorber on the cooling performance of the system. The airflow rate was approximately 0.24 m3·s−1 and water flow rates through the absorber varied from 0 to 0.252 l·s−1. The system produced approximately 7 kW of cooling at water supply rate of 0.252 l·s−1. A simple linear correlation was established for condition line slope from inlet to exiting air conditions for all the water flow rates. Lines of best fit resulted in correlation coefficient better than 0.96. The observed temperatures with a direct evaporative cooler, tested with freshly harvested mango fruits were found to be between 15.1°C and 23.4°C and relative humidity between 81.8% and 97.7%. Physiological weight loss and firmness assessments of the fruits were also conducted.
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Edward, A., Ahmad, A., & Ato, B.-P. (2019). Performance Analysis of a Desiccant Evaporative Cooling System for Mango Fruit Storage in the Savannah and Transitional Zones of Ghana. Agricultural Engineering , 23(3), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1515/agriceng-2019-0021
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References
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Awafo, E.A. (2017). Design and Performance Analysis of a Combined Dehumidification and Evaporative Cooling System for Mango Storage in the Transitional and Savannah Zones of Ghana [PhD Thesis]. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana.
Awafo, E.A., Dzisi, K.A. (2012). Analytical Models and Design of Combined Dehumidification and Evaporative Cooling System for Mango Storage in Ghana. International Journal Current Research Review, 4(20), 177-187
Camargo, J.R., Ebinuma, C.D., Siveria, J.L. (2005). Experimental performance of a direct evaporative cooler operating during summer in Brazilian city. International Journal of Refrigeration, 28,1124-1132.
Dash, S.K., Chandra, P. (2003). Computer Simulation of the Environment of Evaporatively Cooled Storage Structure. Journal of the Institution of Engineers (India): Agricultural Engineering Division, 84(1), 33-38.
GMSD. (2005). Annual climatic data of Ghana. Ghana Meteorological Services Department (GMSD), Accra, Ghana.
Hardenburg, R.E., Watada, A.E., Wang, C.Y. (1986). The commercial storage of fruits, vegetables, and florist and nursery stocks. United States Dept. Agri. Handbook 66.
Kader, A.A., Kasmire R.F., Mitchell, F.G., Reid, M.S., Sommer, N.F., Thompson, J.F. (1985). Postharvest technology of horticultural crops. California Cooperative and Extension Services. Series 3311.
Sivakumar, D., Jiang, Y. and Yahia, E.M. (2011). Maintaining mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit quality during the export chain. Food Research International, 44, 1254-1263.
Wen Q., Ma R., Dong Q. and Xin, Y. (2006). Studies on postharvest physiology and the storage technology of mango (Mangifera indica L.). Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, 30, 670-683.
Wills, R.H.H., Lee, T.H. Graham, D., McGlasson, W.B., Hall, E.G. (1981). Post-Harvest: An Introduction to the Physiology and Handling of Fruit and Vegetables. Granada Publishing Co.
Awafo, E.A. (2017). Design and Performance Analysis of a Combined Dehumidification and Evaporative Cooling System for Mango Storage in the Transitional and Savannah Zones of Ghana [PhD Thesis]. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana.
Awafo, E.A., Dzisi, K.A. (2012). Analytical Models and Design of Combined Dehumidification and Evaporative Cooling System for Mango Storage in Ghana. International Journal Current Research Review, 4(20), 177-187
Camargo, J.R., Ebinuma, C.D., Siveria, J.L. (2005). Experimental performance of a direct evaporative cooler operating during summer in Brazilian city. International Journal of Refrigeration, 28,1124-1132.
Dash, S.K., Chandra, P. (2003). Computer Simulation of the Environment of Evaporatively Cooled Storage Structure. Journal of the Institution of Engineers (India): Agricultural Engineering Division, 84(1), 33-38.
GMSD. (2005). Annual climatic data of Ghana. Ghana Meteorological Services Department (GMSD), Accra, Ghana.
Hardenburg, R.E., Watada, A.E., Wang, C.Y. (1986). The commercial storage of fruits, vegetables, and florist and nursery stocks. United States Dept. Agri. Handbook 66.
Kader, A.A., Kasmire R.F., Mitchell, F.G., Reid, M.S., Sommer, N.F., Thompson, J.F. (1985). Postharvest technology of horticultural crops. California Cooperative and Extension Services. Series 3311.
Sivakumar, D., Jiang, Y. and Yahia, E.M. (2011). Maintaining mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit quality during the export chain. Food Research International, 44, 1254-1263.
Wen Q., Ma R., Dong Q. and Xin, Y. (2006). Studies on postharvest physiology and the storage technology of mango (Mangifera indica L.). Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, 30, 670-683.
Wills, R.H.H., Lee, T.H. Graham, D., McGlasson, W.B., Hall, E.G. (1981). Post-Harvest: An Introduction to the Physiology and Handling of Fruit and Vegetables. Granada Publishing Co.