Design of an evaporative cooling system integrated with ultraviolet light for preservation of fruits and vegetables at variable tropical weather conditions: a case study of Arusha, Tanzania
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Date
2024-07
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NM-AIST
Abstract
Problems with fruits and vegetables spoiling after harvest are particularly acute in tropical
regions. This research presents the design, construction, and performance assessment of a
solar-powered evaporative cooling storage system incorporating ultraviolet radiation (UV) to
preserve foods susceptible to spoilage. Local materials, including sisal, sponge, and bricks, were used to construct the cooling chamber with a UV bulb. We measured the system's
efficiency in both sunny and overcast tropical weather conditions by looking at how much air
temperature was reduced, how much relative humidity was increased, and how much
electricity was used for evaporative cooling. According to research, fruits and vegetables may
be kept fresh for much longer after activating the UV light. This method may keep perishable
goods for up to 21 days under UV light and 9 days without. An average temperature drop of
5.0℃ and an increase in relative humidity result from active system operation on sunny days. In contrast, the cooling effect is minimal on overcast days, leading to a relative humidity rise
of 18% and a temperature drop of around 3.5℃. Based on these results, a solar-powered
evaporative cooling system with UV radiation treatment might be a good way to reduce
tropical post-harvest losses.
Sustainable Development Goals
A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master’s in Sustainable Energy Science and Engineering of the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology
Keywords
Research Subject Categories::TECHNOLOGY