Application of Latent Heat Energy-Based Thermal Energy Storage Materials in Solar Driers and Other Agricultural Applications

Abstract

Fossil fuel is the major source of energy in many of the industrial and domestic drying systems used for food processing. Solar drying is a simple, low cost, and hygienic method to preserve agriculture and other marine food products. Solar dryer acts as substitute to conventional drying that reduces the extensive usage of conventional fossil fuels. However, the intermittent nature of solar energy necessitates of a backup storage device with drier to ensure continuous operation. Solar thermal energy storage is considered as a most promising option in this direction. Reliability of a solar dryer is increased by storing excess thermal energy available during sun shine hours and using it when solar energy is inadequate. Solar thermal energy storage system bridges the gap between the energy supply and demand and thereby reduces the instability in the amount of energy available. This chapter presents the studies on solar dryers integrated with latent heat storage system and also details about the performance analysis of solar dryers based on energy, exergy, economic feasibility, and quality of solar dried agricultural food products.