Performance evaluation of hybrid photovoltaic/thermal solar system combined with greenhouse for drying of rose flower

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the performance of Hybrid Photovoltaic/Thermal (HPV/T) solar system combined with a greenhouse dryer and air cooling arrangements. The experiments were carried out in warm and humid climatic condition of Odisha, India for the winter and summer months during the year 2020. The enhancement in the electrical efficiency of the solar panel was studied by lowering its temperature during the operating period with the help of extracting absorbed heat energy from its back surface through an air cooling arrangement. The extracted heat energy in this study, was utilized in a low thermal energy consuming application such as greenhouse heating for drying of rose flower. It was observed that the temperatures of solar panel were decreased in the range of 9-12 ˚C and its efficiencies were increased in the range of 8-14% respectively in forced air cooling system compared to without cooling in clear sunny days. The reduction in moisture contents of the rose flower compared to fresh flower was about 67-73% in HPV/T greenhouse drying, 54-61% in greenhouse drying alone and 32-41% in open sun drying in 3 days’ duration of drying. The colour, appearance and texture of the flower were also maintained in HPV/T greenhouse drying for its marketability in International market.