Mathematical modelling and simulation of solar drying of cassava

Abstract

A mathematical model for the solar drying of cassava, was developed to predict the moisture content and temperature of the samples, using a finite difference numerical solution procedure to generate a computer simulation in Visual Basic 6.The model predicts the moisture content and temperature of the cassava using input data such as initial moisture content, solar radiation intensity, relative humidity, ambient temperature, and change in time. To validate the model, predicted moisture content and temperature were compared with experimental data. The model was in good agreement with experimental results. The model showed that drying was insensitive to ambient relative humidity but sensitive to factors affecting the temperature of the sample.