Numerical and experimental study of the drying of a potato in forced convection in a drier with racks

In order to predict the performances in forced convection of a foodstuffs drier, we develop a mathematical model of numerical simulation based on the balance equations of heat and mass. We take account of the shrinkage phenomenon of the product during the drying process as well as variations of its thermal and physical properties. The experiments, for the drying of the potato, proceeded in climatic conditions similar to conditions found in natural open-air drying when the drier is fed by air heated by a solar air flat plate collector. After a study of the influence of the parameters of the drying air on the product during drying, we expose the experimental results and compare them with those calculated by the theoretical model.