Review of recent advancement in performance, and thermal energy storage studies on indirect solar dryers for agricultural products.

Abstract

Efficient drying methods and post-harvest processes are crucial to reduce waste in fruits, vegetables, and agricultural products. Factors like moisture-related deterioration, climate change, mishandling, delayed shipping, improper storage, and sales delays contribute to post-harvest losses and quality degradation. Solar dryers, especially indirect-type solar dryers, provide a practical and environmentally friendly way to preserve these goods. In comparison to other types of solar dryers, indirect-type dryers have a number of advantages. This review focuses on evaluating the performance of different configurations of Indirect-type solar dryers in terms of drying time, maximum air temperature, drying efficiency for collectors, and overall dryer efficiency. The influence of various operating conditions on the thermal efficiency of Indirect-type solar dryers is also investigated. The study provides detailed information on the sensible and latent storage units and materials used in Indirect-type solar dryers, including those operating through natural or forced convection. The review also explores the utilization of advanced technologies, such as desiccant systems, recycling processes, the use of Nano fluids and nanoparticles, and thermal energy storage, to enhance the thermal performance of solar dryers. Additionally, the paper examines potential difficulties and suggestions for selecting, using, and testing thermal storage for indirect-type solar dryers. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive examination of indirect-type solar dryers, and their performance. It highlights the potential for improving drying efficiency through the integration of advanced technologies and thermal energy storage.