Analysis of a novel V-grooved double pass photovoltaic thermal solar dryer including thermal energy storage

As to a sustainable future, the available storage of foods is of great importance since they are the most basic component for the source of life. The requirement that foods be consumed in different seasonal conditions and stored without any deterioration has motivated the production and development of drying systems. In this context, solar dryers both relying on a clean energy source and being cost-effective contribute to a sustainable future. This experimental work concentrates on the manufacturing of a V-grooved double pass solar dryer, and improving its performance with different modifications including a thermal storage unit. Initially, a PVT with the V-grooved and double pass was produced, and then a paraffin-based thermal storage unit was integrated into the photovoltaic panel. Both experimental systems were simultaneously analysed under the same environmental conditions. The golden apple slices were preferred as the drying product, and airflow was supplied via fans of 70 x 70 mm. In the results obtained, the thermal efficiency of the solar collector was between 40.94 % and 77.18 % for V-SAD, while for TS/V-SAD, these fluctuated between 55.11 % and 78.47 %. The overall exergy efficiency amounts of the drying chamber were also calculated as 65.69 % and 66.23 % for V-SAD and TS/V-SAD, respectively. Besides, the drying process in the PVT solar dryer containing thermal energy storage unit has finalized earlier.