In a bid to make solar dryers more efficient, researchers from Saveetha University have developed a novel approach that could significantly impact the maritime sectors, particularly in regions where agricultural products are transported. The study, led by R. Venkatesh from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, focuses on enhancing the performance of solar dryers using paraffin phase change material (PCM) and copper fins.
Solar dryers are crucial for drying agricultural products, but they often face issues like heat loss and inefficiency during low solar radiation periods. The research team tackled these challenges by experimenting with three different setups: a conventional solar collector, a solar collector with PCM, and a solar collector with both fin and PCM configurations. The results were promising, with the fin collector featuring the PCM-configured absorber (Case 3) outperforming the other setups.
“In Case 3, the fin collector with the PCM-configured absorber exhibited the best drying performance among the three setups,” Venkatesh explained. The setup reached an optimal temperature of 60.8°C, achieving improved moisture ratios of 0.51 for bananas and 0.54 for potatoes. The drying rates recorded were 0.89 kg/h for banana slices and 0.85 kg/h for potato slices. Moreover, the collector efficiency increased to 75.3% for bananas and 78.7% for potatoes, reflecting improvements of 77% and 43%, respectively, compared to the efficiency of the plain absorber.
For the maritime sector, this innovation could be a game-changer. Efficient solar dryers mean that agricultural products can be dried more quickly and with less energy, reducing the carbon footprint of the supply chain. This is particularly relevant for maritime transport, where the environmental impact of cargo is a growing concern. By adopting these enhanced solar dryers, shipping companies can contribute to sustainability goals while also benefiting from reduced drying times and improved product quality.
The commercial impacts are substantial. Faster drying times mean quicker turnaround for agricultural products, reducing storage costs and minimizing the risk of spoilage. Improved efficiency also translates to lower operational costs, making solar drying a more attractive option for industries involved in maritime transport.
The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports (translated from the original name), highlights the potential of integrating advanced materials like paraffin PCM and copper fins into solar dryers. As the maritime industry continues to seek sustainable and efficient solutions, innovations like these could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of agricultural product transport.
In summary, the research offers a glimpse into the potential of enhancing solar dryer performance, providing a beacon of hope for a more sustainable and efficient maritime sector. The findings not only address the technical challenges of solar drying but also open up new commercial opportunities for industries involved in the transport and handling of agricultural products.