A Review of Performance Improvement Methods for Solar Dryers and Phase Change Materials (PCM) in Solar Drying Applications

International Journal of Mechanical Engineering

© 2024 by SSRG - IJME Journal

Volume 11 Issue 8

Year of Publication : 2024

Authors : Umesh Toshniwal, Sachin Karale

10.14445/23488360/IJME-V11I8P102

How to Cite?

Umesh Toshniwal, Sachin Karale, "A Review of Performance Improvement Methods for Solar Dryers and Phase Change Materials (PCM) in Solar Drying Applications," SSRG International Journal of Mechanical Engineering, vol. 11,  no. 8, pp. 10-20, 2024. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488360/IJME-V11I8P102

Abstract:

In this review article, the research focuses on methods to improve the performance of Solar Dryers (SDs) and the utilization of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) in solar drying applications. This highlights the advantages of PCMs, such as reduced heat loss, High Energy Storage (HES) density, and increased thermal conductivity in solar drying systems. The document emphasizes the possibility of PCM-based solar dryers as environmentally friendly and cost-effective thermal energy storage solutions for agriculture and renewable energy systems. It entails a review of experimental investigations and theoretical modeling from previous decades to determine the most effective arrangement of PCMs in solar dryers, ensuring optimal performance. This research digs into the substantial improvements in sun drying systems, with a focus on harnessing renewable energy potential through the use of PCMs. It also focuses on ways to improve their efficiency in solar drying applications. Also, using PCM for energy storage is a highly efficient strategy, providing greater storage density via Latent Heat Storage (LHS) and maintaining a moderate, steady temperature, both of which are required for effective crop drying. Similarly, using PCMs in solar dryers has been shown to reduce heat losses and improve system performance. This article also describes approaches used to improve the thermal conductivity of commonly used PCM in solar drying systems, particularly paraffin wax. It implies that Expanded Graphite (EG), Graphite Foam (GF), High Thermal Conductivity (HTC) and Carbon Fibers (CFs) particles have the possibility of High Thermal Efficiency (HTE) of Solar Energy (SE) devices that use paraffin wax (PW) as a storage medium. Finally, resolving these issues and research gaps is critical for determining future trends and improving PCM dryer technology generally.

Keywords:

Solar dryers, Phase change materials, Thermal performance, Efficiency, Moisture content, Paraffin wax.

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