Design and Development of a Greenhouse Solar Energy-Based Corn Dryer: A Case Study

Abstract

Aims: The study aimed to design and develop a greenhouse solar corn dryer that provides an efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective drying solution. The consistent use of traditional and conventional open sun drying (OSD) for agricultural products and yield necessitates the development of an innovation that can maintain quality, expedite the drying process, and potentially replace these techniques by utilizing renewable energy. Study Design: The study employed a Research and Development Design and an experimental quantitative approach to analyze variables and data. Place and Duration of Study: Situated in Brgy. Anlugan, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon and lasted from January 28, 2025, to March 26, 2025. Methodology: First, the sketch and construction of the greenhouse solar dryer (GSD) were done in the locale of the study. Then, to commence the corn drying process, 2 sacks were bought for each method and repeated to conduct 2 trials, totaling up to 8 sacks of corn kernels with high moisture content. Necessary research instruments were used to measure the following parameters: moisture content, temperature, relative humidity, cost, and time. Lastly, samples of corn were randomly taken and filled into bags for testing of aflatoxin levels. Results: There was a significant difference between the performance of the GSD compared to the OSD in terms of moisture content, as P = 0.001. for both trials.  Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the relative humidity measured from both methods, yet the GSD managed to store more heat compared to the OSD. Furthermore, aflatoxin levels measured through the ELISA test showed that the former contained samples that were food-grade compared to the traditional method. Lastly, through calculated costs and efficient hours of drying, the GSD was cheaper and took less time compared to the latter. Conclusion: The developed design has the potential to replace the traditional practice of open sun drying, yet it requires more enhancements and further trials to evaluate and potentially replace this method for the benefit of local farmers.