Which energy storage materials can be used in solar cabinet dryers?

Energy storage materials can also be used to reduce the high temperature of the dryer compartment during the day and increase the quality of dry products . According to the results obtained from previous sections, paraffin wax is most used in solar systems, including solar cabinet dryers.

Why do farmers use a solar cabinet dryer?

Farmers often use the open sun drying method, in which problems such as inability to control humidity, prolonged drying time, reduced product quality, and lack of sufficient temperature in the dryer compartment in the afternoon. To solve these problems, the indirect solar cabinet dryer is equipped with PCMs in the solar collector.

How do solar dryers save energy?

To achieve more efficient energy use, some active solar dryers are equipped with thermal storage devices, mostly rock bed or gravel storage (Duffie and Close, 1978; Alberti and Serravezza, 1979; Bern et al., 1980; Misra et al., 1982; Maroulis and Saravacos, 198 6). This improves drying during nighttime or periods of low insolation levels.

Can solar dryers be used for agricultural products?

Various solar dryers have been developed in the past to efficiently utilize solar energy. Many studies have been reported on solar drying of agricultural products (Ikechukwu and Norton, 1999; Leon et al., 2002). Several studies have been done in the tropics and subtropics to develop solar dryers for agricultural products.

What is a solar cabinet dryer?

There is an almost uniform temperature distribution in the dryer chamber, making the products dry with acceptable quality. Solar cabinet dryers are the most used among the types of solar dryers. Solar dryers, including cabinets, must be operated continuously at almost uniform temperatures throughout the day.

What are the advantages of solar cabinet dryers?

The following results can be derived from the study of direct, indirect, and mixed-mode solar cabinet dryers: These systems have a simple structure and can be easily constructed. Thus, such systems are very economical. Most agricultural products, food, and medicinal plants can be dried with solar cabinet dryers.