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Sorption isotherms of cassava were determined experimentally using a static gravimetric method at 30, 45 and 60°C and within the range of 0.10-0.90 water activity. At a constant water activity, equilibrium moisture content decreased with increasing temperature. The equilibrium moisture content increased with increasing water activity at a given temperature. The experimental results were modelled using seven sorption models using non-linear regression technique. Results demonstrated that the GAB model adequately predicted equilibrium moisture content of cassava for the range of temperatures and water activities studied. The thermodynamic functions such as net isosteric heat of sorption, differential entropy of sorption, net integral enthalpy and entropy were evaluated to provide an understanding of the properties of water and energy requirements associated with the sorption behaviour. Net isosteric heat and differential entropy decreased with increasing equilibrium moisture content. The net integral enthalpy decreased while net integral entropy increased with increasing equilibrium moisture content. Net integral entropy was negative in value. All thermodynamic functions were adequately characterised by a power law model. The point of maximum stability was found between 0.053 and 0.154 kg water/kg db for cassava.

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This work presents the results of a study to optimize the production of electricity, by hybrid system Photovoltaic – Diesel – Batteries, to power the village of Kalakala in the north of Côte d'Ivoire. The study site is an isolated rural community, powered by a diesel generator. It is located in northern Côte d'Ivoire. HOMER software has been used for system simulation and optimization. The result of this study is then compared to those of PV - Batteries and diesel alone systems. From the results of the simulations, it appears that the optimal combination of the hybrid system includes a diesel generator of 50 kW, a photovoltaic field of 46 kW, 10 batteries of 48V and a converter of 100 kW. With a photovoltaic penetration rate of 52.7%, this system, compared to the photovoltaic - batteries system, reduces the photovoltaic field by 56%, the number of batteries by 61.5% and increases battery life by 42.84%. Compared to diesel alone, it reduces fuel consumption and the quantity of CO2 by 60% and improves diesel efficiency by 17%. The cost of generating electricity for the hybrid system is €0.373/kWh compared to €0.466 and €0.608/kWh respectively, for the PV-Batteries and diesel alone systems. The hybrid system with the best technical, economic and environmental performance could be a good alternative for generating electricity in remote communities.

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