Philippine E-Journals

Development of a Fish Solar Dehydrator

Aileen B. Esmeralda

Discipline: Engineering, Technology

 

Abstract:

The Philippine government’s measure on energy conservation is mandated by RA 7836, known as the Department of Energy Act of 1992. It is a policy of intensive development of programs and projects that utilize renewable sources of energy. To respond to the challenge of energy conservation, a solar-driventechnology using recyclable materials is designed. This study aimed to develop a fish solar dehydrator, test the effectiveness of the device in terms of air temperature in the drying chamber, drying rate, return of investment and payback period. Using project and experimental research design, findings revealed that the highest average temperature is 78° C registered at 12:00 noon while the lowest temperature is 43.06° C noted at 6:00 pm. Fish samples are monitored from 8 am to 6 pm for three trials. From the original weight of 4.0 kilograms samples gradually decreased to a final dried weight of 2.21 kilograms. The financial analysis pointed out that an investor can earn 13.2% for every peso invested, and the total cost of the investment is recovered after one month of operation. It is recommended that the fish solar dehydrator will be enhanced before introducing to fisher folks and entrepreneurs for adoption and utilization.