Article
Thermodynamics
Mulatu C. Gilago, Vishnuvardhan Reddy Mugi, V. P. Chandramohan, S. Suresh
Summary: This experiment investigated and compared the drying kinetics of pineapple and the performance of indirect solar dryers (natural and forced). Central processing unit fans were fixed in a trapezoidal duct aided by photovoltaic solar panels. The results showed that setup-2 performed better than setup-1 in terms of drying efficiency, drying rate, and activation energy. Uncertainty analysis was conducted to ensure the reliability of the results.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jyoti Singh Parihar, Satish Kumar, Lalit Kumar, Yogesh Kumar, Harish Kumar Ghritlahre, Manoj Verma, Ajay Kumar Gupta, Sanjay Agrawal, Shiena Shekhar
Summary: This study conducted an experiment on a novel solar dryer in India for drying banana slices. The results showed that forced convection drying was the most efficient method.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mulatu C. Gilago, V. P. Chandramohan
Summary: The performance of natural and forced convection indirect type solar dryers was investigated using ivy gourd as the drying material. The results showed that the forced convection setup had higher average collector efficiency and drying efficiency, as well as lower specific energy consumption and specific moisture extraction rate.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Arnaud Nzendjang Mbakouop, Hyacinthe Tchakount, Awoh Innocentia Ankungha, Claude Bertin Nzoundja Fapi
Summary: The influence of a mixed forced convection solar dryer with thermal storage on the quality of cocoa beans has been studied. The dryer, made mainly of wood and polystyrene, uses a combination of the direct and indirect model for operation. With an efficient drying performance, the dryer was able to dehydrate cocoa beans from 53.4% to 4.6% water content in 2 days.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fatiha Brahmi, Inmaculada Mateos-Aparicio, Khokha Mouhoubi, Sara Guemouni, Tassadit Sahki, Farid Dahmoune, Ferroudja Belmehdi, Chafiaa Bessai, Khodir Madani, Lila Boulekbache-Makhlouf
Summary: This study investigates the drying properties of potato peels (PP) using two different processes: convection drying (CD) and microwave drying (MD). The drying kinetics were analyzed at various temperatures for CD and different powers for MD. The study also evaluated the effectiveness of these processes in terms of antioxidant contents and capacity. A total of 22 mathematical models were used to predict the drying kinetics, and the Sledz model was found to be the most suitable. The best drying rates for PP were achieved at a temperature of 120 degrees C and a power of 600 W. The energy consumption increased with higher temperature or power. MD showed shorter drying time, lower energy consumption, and better preservation of antioxidants compared to CD. The proposed microwave drying process for PP is recommended for various industries, including food processing.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ankur Gupta, Biplab Das, Agnimitra Biswas, Jayanta Deb Mondol
Summary: This study analyzes the sustainability indicators of a novel PVT solar dryer for drying star fruit, and compares the energy and exergy performance under forced convection drying and natural convection drying modes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Azza Masmoudi, Ahlem Ben Sik Ali, Hatem Dhaouadi, Hatem Mhiri
Summary: The comparative study found that the draining greenhouse under forced convection may be the best technique for sludge drying. Drying curves of sludge varied in different seasons and environments, and choosing a suitable model can better describe the drying process.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Chandan Kumar Sethi, Saroj Kumar Acharya, Somar Rajeh Ghanem, Abhishek Behera, Pragyan Parimita Patnaik
Summary: The study compared the performance of a V-grooved type air collector with rotating trays and a flat plate air collector in drying potato chips, finding that the V-grooved type had higher exergy and energy efficiency. The temperature of the air at the inlet and outlet of the collector and drying chamber was found to significantly affect the exergy value.
JOURNAL OF STORED PRODUCTS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Satish Kumar, Neelam Dewangan, Geetanjali Verma, Harish Kumar Ghritlahre, Manoj Verma, Yogesh Kumar, Sanjay Agrawal, Shiena Shekhar
Summary: This study investigated the performance of a solar dryer, and the results showed that forced convection drying was faster and had higher dryer efficiency compared to natural convection drying.
ENERGY SOURCES PART A-RECOVERY UTILIZATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Mulatu Chake Gilago, Vishnuvardhan Reddy Mugi, V. P. Chandramohan
Summary: The thermal characteristics of natural and forced convection indirect solar dryers were compared using carrot slices. Setup-B showed better performance with higher heat supply, efficiency, and drying efficiency. The activation energy, diffusion coefficient, mass and heat transfer coefficients were also higher in Setup-B. The results provide valuable insights into the drying process and efficiency of solar dryers.
RESULTS IN ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
M. A. Tawfik, Khaled M. Oweda, M. K. Abd El-Wahab, W. E. Abd Allah
Summary: The study proposes a controlled natural convection drying mode using a solar greenhouse dryer for drying grapes. By using Plexiglas material, the new drying mode has a higher drying rate than natural convection drying mode and is close to forced convection drying mode. Compared to other dryers, the new drying mode has the lowest cost per kg of dried grapes, the highest total saved costs, and the shortest payback period.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
D. V. N. Lakshmi, P. Muthukumar, Prakash Kumar Nayak
Summary: The study focuses on experimental analysis of two active horizontal solar dryers designed for drying black pepper, showing that the developed solar dryers are more efficient and cost-effective compared to open sun drying. The overall dryer efficiency of the mixed mode dryer is 20% higher than the indirect solar dryer, and the dried samples under different drying methods have variations in antioxidant and nutrient content, with samples from the solar dryers showing higher antioxidant content.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zahara Mardiah, Ivando Hutauruk, Febri Setyawan, Dian Shofinita, Johnner P. Sitompul
Summary: Rice bran is of great research value in the functional food industry, but its quality declines due to lipase activity. The drying process plays a crucial role in stabilizing the rice bran by damaging lipase. Mathematical models were developed to optimize the drying process of rice bran, and experimental and simulation results showed that drying air at 160 degrees C can eliminate 95% of the moisture content. Increasing air velocity speeds up the drying process.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Prashant Kumar Jangde, Anurag Singh, Thottipalayam Vellingri Arjunan
Summary: This paper discusses the various types of solar dryers used in India, highlighting the advantages of indirect solar dryers. By comparing the performance of different dryers, the study examines the effects of various operating parameters on the thermal performance of the dryers.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Shimpy, Mahesh Kumar, Anil Kumar
Summary: This article provides an overview of solar drying technologies for small rural agricultural farms, focusing on domestic applications. A significant amount of perishable items are wasted annually at the household level due to various reasons. The article reviews and presents natural and forced convection solar dryers, highlighting their temperature and thermal efficiency. Natural convection solar dryers are suitable for rural areas due to their simple design and lower requirements, while forced convection solar dryers offer better performance and faster drying time for high moisture content products. The designs of indirect and mixed-mode solar dryers in domestic applications are rare. Solar dryers have the potential to reduce drying costs by 50% and improve returns by 30%.
FOOD ENGINEERING REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
K. Loganathan, K. Mohana, M. Mohanraj, P. Sakthivel, S. Rajan
Summary: The study utilized the CCHF model for heat transfer and entropy generation analysis, with consideration of different flow constants impact on fluid friction, heat, and mass transfer. Nonlinear PDE were simplified into a set of nonlinear ODE systems using similarity transformations, and the influence of flow constants on velocity, entropy generation, and temperature profiles were discussed.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2021)
Review
Thermodynamics
M. Mohanraj, J. D. Andrew Pon Abraham
Summary: This paper reviews the environmentally friendly refrigerant options for automobile air conditioners. It presents the characteristics of these options and summarizes the research investigations conducted on them. The paper concludes that hydrocarbon refrigerants will dominate the automobile air conditioning sector, while carbon dioxide is a good option for electric vehicles operating at low ambient conditions. However, hydrofluoroolefins are identified as an interim option due to their decomposition and harmful effects on the aquatic environment.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ramasamy Dhivagar, Murugesan Mohanraj, Balakrishnan Deepanraj, Vaiyapuri Senthil Murugan
Summary: The use of magnets in solar stills significantly improved daily productivity and economic benefits, with block magnets showing more pronounced effects than disc magnets. The magnetization of saline water was found to significantly enhance the performance of solar stills compared to traditional systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Mechanical
M. Mohanraj, S. Jayaraj
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS PART E-JOURNAL OF PROCESS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
M. Mohanraj, I. M. Kartheheyan
Summary: The study compares the performance of R134a and R430A in heat pump systems, finding that R430A has lower energy consumption, higher heating capacity, and coefficient of performance, as well as lower global warming potential and total equivalent global warming impacts.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS PART E-JOURNAL OF PROCESS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
M. Sivakumar, S. Mahalingam, M. Mohanraj
Summary: This research focuses on enhancing the volumetric efficiency of a compressor in solar thermal heat pump systems. By utilizing a direct expansion packed bed evaporator-collector, the system effectively harvests solar energy and maintains superheat at a desirable level. The results show improvements in both coefficient of performance and heating capacity when compared to a direct expansion flat bed evaporator collector. Moreover, the proposed heat pump configuration demonstrates a short payback duration and significant reduction in CO2 emissions.
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
T. Ramkumar, A. Haiter Lenin, M. Selva Kumar, M. Mohanraj, S. Christopher Ezhil Singh, M. Muruganandam
Summary: This study investigated the joining process of AA2014 and AA6061 aluminum alloys using the Friction Stir Welding (FSW) process. The rotational speed of the tool was varied, and the mechanical properties of the weldments were evaluated. The results showed that rotational speed significantly affected the hardness, tensile strength, and flexural strength of the welded joints.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS PART E-JOURNAL OF PROCESS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
R. Dhivagar, B. Deepanraj, M. Mohanraj, A. Prakash
Summary: This research assessed the thermal analysis of a heat pump assisted regenerative solar still (HPARSS) using slack wax heat storage material and compared it with a conventional solar still (CSS). The results showed that HPARSS had higher cumulative productivity, energy efficiency, and coefficient of performance compared to CSS. It can significantly reduce the demand for potable water.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
R. Dhivagar, B. Deepanraj, M. Mohanraj, Hwai Chyuan Ong
Summary: This study explores the thermodynamic analysis of crushed gravel sand and biomass evaporator assisted solar still (CBSS) using the second law, and compares the results to conventional solar still (CSS) under the same climatic conditions. The CBSS shows significant improvements in air vapour temperature, saline water temperature, cumulative productivity, and exergy efficiency compared to the CSS. Furthermore, the CBSS greatly reduces the demand for potable water.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. Lenin Sundar, S. Ragunath, J. Hemalatha, S. Vivek, M. Mohanraj, V. Sampathkumar, A. Mohammed Siraj Ansari, V. Parthiban, S. Manoj
Summary: In recent years, groundwater modelling has become an important part of projects dealing with groundwater exploitation, protection, and remediation. This study focuses on the groundwater quality along the Noyyal River in Coimbatore city, Tamilnadu. The results show that the center portion of the study area is highly affected and pollutants easily move downstream. Therefore, measures are necessary to control groundwater contamination.
Article
Energy & Fuels
A. Tamilvanan, P. Jeyalakshmi, M. Mohanraj, B. Deepanraj
Summary: This study investigates the influence of raw Simarouba glauca Seed Oil (SSO) and its biodiesel (SSOB) on the performance, combustion, and emissions of a diesel engine. The results show a slight loss in performance and inferior combustion on higher blends. SSOB blends exhibit better performance and combustion compared to SSO blends.
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
P. Muthusamy, M. Mohanraj, T. Ramkumar, M. Selvakumar
Summary: In this study, Ti-3Al-2.5 V-xWC composites were fabricated using microwave sintering technique, and their properties were characterized. The results showed that higher density and shorter sintering time improved the mechanical properties and wear behavior of the composites.
TRIBOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Sadasivam Sivakumar, Kathirvelsamy Siva, Murugesan Mohanraj
Summary: This article evaluates the energy performance and economic feasibility of a solar air collector and compression heat pump integrated solar humidifier desalination system. The effects of solar heat flux, ambient wind speed, and ambient temperature on system performance are investigated. The system achieves a maximum distillate output of 22.3 liters per day and delivers 100 liters of hot water at 46 +/- 2 degrees C. The proposed system has a payback duration of 27.62 months and releases 32.35 tons of carbon dioxide emissions during its 15-year lifespan. The quality of the water obtained is suitable for drinking and enriched with minerals.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS PART E-JOURNAL OF PROCESS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Alosh James, Smruti Ranjan Sahoo, Arun K. Raj, Murugesan Mohanraj, Mokkalla Srinivas, Simon Jayaraj
Summary: Photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) systems offer a solution to prevent overheating and improve performance by converting waste heat into useful energy. This study analyzes different materials and flow configurations using COMSOL Multiphysics software. The results show that with an absorber plate, there is a significant decrease in PV panel temperature (4-5 K) and an increase in outlet fluid temperature (2-8 K), resulting in improved performance. The performance difference between copper and aluminum plates is minimal (2%).
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS PART E-JOURNAL OF PROCESS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Chandrasekaran Senthilkumar, Annur Srinivasan Krishnan, Arulanantham Brusly Solomon, Murugesan Mohanraj
Summary: This study investigates the enhancement of heat pipe thermal performance by applying a thin layer of copper coating on the inner surface of a wickless heat pipe (WHP). The coated WHP is compared with an uncoated WHP using R134a, R290, and R600a as working fluids. The effects of fluid fill ratio, angle, and heat input on the thermal performance of both coated and uncoated WHPs are examined. The results show that the coated WHP, particularly at a 45-degree inclination, has improved thermal performance compared to the uncoated WHP. R600a is identified as a favorable working fluid due to its thermophysical properties that result in low thermal resistance and improved heat transfer coefficients.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS PART E-JOURNAL OF PROCESS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yifan Bai, Junzhen Yu, Shuqin Yang, Jifeng Ning
Summary: A real-time recognition algorithm (Improved YOLO) is proposed in this paper for accurately identifying small, similar-colored, and overlapping strawberry seedling flowers and fruits. The experimental results show that the algorithm achieves high precision, recall, and average precision, and meets the real-time detection requirements, providing effective support for the automated management of strawberry seedling flower and fruit thinning.
BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING
(2024)
