Performance assessments and techno and enviro‐economic analyses on forced convection mixed mode solar dryer

Abstract

Solar drying is an energy‐efficient and eco‐friendly process, and it is extensively used in low‐temperature drying. In this paper, the year around performance and techno enviro‐economic assessments of a forced convection mixed‐mode solar dryer (MSD) are presented. The developed MSD has been tested throughout the year for the drying of various agricultural products such as jackfruit, red chili, turmeric, and ginger. The drying temperature of MSD was maintained 15–33°C higher than the ambient air temperature. The economic evaluation was done based on the net present worth, payback period, life cycle saving, and internal rate of return. The payback period was estimated as 0.9 years. The internal rate of return of 130% was obtained on the initial capital investment of the MSD. The effect of the embodied energies of the developed MSD on the environment was investigated based on equivalent thermal energy. The energy payback time (EPBT) of the developed dryer was 3.75 years, and the net CO2 mitigation potential over the life span of the dryer was 8.4 t. The developed MSD dries the agricultural products under hygienic conditions and provides economic viability to the potential users. Practical application The developed mixed‐mode solar drying system is used for drying various agricultural products. The moisture content of the product is removed at a much faster rate compared to the traditional sun‐drying method. The performance test for various agricultural products dried during their harvesting season shows its efficient performance throughout the year. The main focus of this work is to analyze the techno and enviro‐economic of the designed mixed‐mode solar dryer. The economic analysis shows a higher internal rate of return for the various products dried over the life span of the dryer. Drying in the solar dryer will enhance product quality, reduce post‐harvest losses, carbon emission and establish economic feasibility, helping the farmers get a good return on their produce.

Design, Construction, and Investigation of the Drying Equipment Using Solar Power for Bangladeshi Fruits and Vegetables

“…Suppose the hydrodynamic characteristics of the solar dryer are changed. In that case, it is predicted that the solar dryer might save around 780 USD/month and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 6400 kg/month, according to an evaluation of the solar dryer's economics based on the payback period and CO 2 reduction [15][16][17]. For many farmers and processors, generally in most developing countries, gridconnected electricity and supplies of other non-renewable sources of energy are unavailable, unreliable, scarce, or too expensive; this results in reduced expected profit due to unsuitable post-harvest processing [18][19][20].…”