Analytical model for the performance of the tunnel-type greenhouse drier

An analytical study describing the performance of a tunnel greenhouse drier is presented. Considering the greenhouse as a solar collector, a linear function between the incident solar radiation and the greenhouse output temperature is obtained. Using the drier characteristic function, the drier performance is evaluated as a function of the drying potentials. The results show that an almost constant production is obtained each day. The generalized drying curve concept is applied to the first tunnel cart, obtaining a result that is similar to the single chamber drier case. The simulation tests with red sweet pepper show an improvement of 160% in the production, compared with the single chamber drier case, and an improvement around 40%, if the double chamber drier is considered.