Drying of Banana Through Geothermal Steam, Berlín Geothermal Field, El Salvador

Abstract

Geothermal energy can be used both for the generation of electricity and for direct use in many applications, such as the drying of fish or fruit, as well as the heating of spaces and greenhouses. El Salvador has explored geothermal resources since the 1970s. To take advantage of or make good use of these resources, a study will be conducted to analyze some techniques to dry different types of fruits in countries that have the same geothermal resource. With the study of similar cases, it will be determined which is the best technique to apply in the drying of bananas in El Salvador. The study will be applied in the geothermal field of Berlin in El Salvador, which has abundant banana fruits and geothermal resources with temperatures between 138 and 184 ° C that are used in a binary cycle and can also be used to dry bananas.