Solar drying of tropical fish in Indonesia

Mathematical models were developed to simulate performance of an indirect solar fish drier. A computer simulation was carried out to predict a drying rate including moisture content and water activity of dried fish. Based on the simulation, a new design of a solar fish drier was constructed and tested in Indonesia. Salted fish Gulamah (Pseudociena amoyensis) and Pan i Kelapa (Trygon sepheu) were dried over a four day period. Meteorological data and data relating to the fish were measured. The results were compared with prediction from the computer model to assess its validity and limitations. The mathematical model predicted a slightly lower drying rate, final moisture contents and water acitvity of the dried fish than those measured.