Title: State of the art on solar drying technology: a review

Authors: N.L. Panwar; S.C. Kaushik; Surendra Kothari

Addresses: Centre for Energy Studies, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110 016, India. ' Centre for Energy Studies, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110 016, India. ' Department of Renewable Energy Sources, College of Technology and Engineering, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur (Rajasthan) 313 001, India

Abstract: Solar thermal energy is used in many countries of the world in the agricultural area to conserve agricultural produce and in the industrial sector for drying commercial products. Solar drying is practical, economical and the responsible approach in an environmental point of view. Solar dryers are available in large range of sizes, different design and are used for drying various food and industrial products. It is found that various types of driers are available to suit the needs of end users. This paper deals with a comprehensive review of the various designs, construction and operational principles of the wide variety of practically-realised designs of solar dryer reported previously. Some very recent developments in solar drying technology are highlighted.

Keywords: solar drying systems; open sun dryers; hybrid solar dryers; mixed mode solar dryers; cabinet dryers; indirect solar dryers; solar energy; solar power.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRET.2012.045622

International Journal of Renewable Energy Technology, 2012 Vol.3 No.2, pp.107 - 141

Received: 19 Aug 2009
Accepted: 01 Mar 2010
Published online: 29 Oct 2014 *

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