DEVELOPMENT OF LOW COST RADIATION PROTECTION SOLAR DRYING TECHNOLOGY FOR DUANG THONG COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE GROUP IN PHETCHABUN PROVINCE

Abstract

The research aimed to examine the efficiency, investigate the satisfaction and transfer the development of anti-radiation drying technology with low-cost solar power to improve the efficiency of drying process and keep quality of tamarind pulp for Duang Thong Community Enterprise in Phetchabun Province. The research methods for the development of prototype of anti-radiation drying technology with low-cost solar power started with the drying chamber, made from polycarbonate to absorb the sunlight, which originally was made of 5.0 mm clear glass, attached with 80% light-filtering film and was tested with drying 19,860 grams of tamarind pulp for 6,7 and 8 hours, respectively.The results had showed that the highest measured temperature in the drying chamber was 52 degrees Celsius between 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. The weight of tamarind pulp that lost the most after drying process was 1,217 grams after 8 hours of baking with the average UVA and UVB radiation intensity within the chamber at 0.22 W/cm². Then, comparison the color and CIELAB values of tamarind pulp before and after drying revealed that the value of CIELAB or the value of L* a* b* was not significant, while the tamarind pulp still remained having black color blended with yellowish green as before. As for the technology transfer of anti-radiation drying with low-cost solar power, demonstration of the technology was performed to 10 members of Duang Thong Enterprise Group. The satisfaction of the participants was at highest level in three aspects. This study could reduce the problems of discoloration of tamarind pulp during baking for 10-20% which could result in the increase of income from baking tamarind pulp for 1,350-1,800 baht.