Design of a parabolic solar collector for the drying of Spirulina and Cushuro microalgae

This article proposes the design of a self-sustaining parabolic solar collector for the drying of microalgae: Nostoc sphaericum (Cushuro) and Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina). According to numerous studies, microalgae have several nutritional effects due to the high levels of proteins in their composition and chemical characteristics. The importance of the process lies in achieving the desired moisture through precise drying control without drastically reducing its high protein concentration (60%-80%). Therefore, mechanical design calculations were performed, as well as the simulation of the dehydrator chamber in order to have a micro algae processing capacity of 5 kilograms of wet Nostoc or Spirulina. The electrical supply is obtained from a photovoltaic solar system. The results of the drying process simulations were displayed using the ANSYS Fluent software.