4E analysis of infrared-convective dryer powered solar photovoltaic thermal collector

Abstract

It is possible to list the problems encountered in the drying of agricultural products as high energy costs and quality of the dried products. Sustainable solar dryers are needed to reduce energy costs in drying applications. The energy required to dry the product (hot air in this study) is provided by fossil fuels. This increases the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere. In this study, it is aimed to prevent CO2 emitted into the atmosphere since all the energy required for drying is provided by solar energy. By using infrared technology in drying chamber the drying time of agricultural product was being shorten. In this experimental study, a new infrared-convective drying system with photovoltaic-thermal collector was designed and manufactured. Energy, exergy and environmental economics analyzes were made for different drying air mass flow rates. Excess energy is stored in batteries. Sustainable index and improvement potential values ​​were calculated using exergy analysis. As a result of this study, an average thermal efficiency of 43.75% was obtained from the PVT collector. PV panel was cooled and an average of 13.49% electrical efficiency was obtained. Average exergy efficiency was determined as 15.03%. With the use of solar energy, a system with integrated dryer was used in autumn and winter conditions. Only solar energy was used as power of the system. The use of solar energy is prevented from emitting 1.98 kg / hCO2 to the atmosphere. In this way, a system that is environmentally friendly and compatible with nature has been obtained. CO2 emission of the system was prevented and CO2 cost was calculated as 2.86 ¢ / s. SI index was found in the range of 1.21–1.07 and the IP value was calculated in the range of 945–392 on average.