Rancang Bangun Solar Dryer Aktif Tipe Langsung Untuk Pengeringan Biji Kakao (Theobroma Cacao L.)

Abstract

Indonesia's cocoa productivity experienced an average annual decline of -1.04% between 2013 and 2022. A key contributing factor is sub-optimal post-harvest handling, particularly cocoa bean drying. Fresh cocoa beans, with a moisture content of 51-60%, must be reduced to 6-7% to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life. To address this, we developed an automated active direct solar dryer for cocoa beans.Unloaded tests confirmed optimal component functionality: the DHT22 sensor accurately recorded data, the solar charging system efficiently increased battery voltage from 11.5 V to 12.4 V, the exhaust fan operated on schedule (10 seconds every 30 minutes), and the blower responded automatically when relative humidity reached 75%. Despite fluctuating solar radiation intensity (221.4 W/m2 to 371.9 W/m2), the drying chamber maintained consistently higher temperatures (≈43ᵒC) compared to ambient conditions, aligning with SNI 9196:2023, and lower humidity (<50%). Drying results demonstrated the device's effectiveness in significantly reducing cocoa bean moisture. Initial moisture content of 70% was successfully lowered to 7.5% (wet basis) within 6 days (54 hours), meeting the quality standards for cocoa beans based on SNI 2323-2008. The cocoa bean drying rate of 1.16%/hour also conformed to SNI 7467:2008.