Experimental and numerical investigation of the incorporation of an air temperature controller for indirect solar dryers

Abstract

Solar drying systems often face the challenge of overheating due to uncontrolled solar collectors, which can degrade the quality of dried products by destroying enzymes, vitamins, and their chemical composition. To address this issue, we developed and validated a new control system for stabilizing drying air temperature using both experimental and CFD numerical methods. This system not only effectively maintains the desired air temperature but also extends the lifespan of solar collectors by adjusting their exposure during periods of excessive solar radiation. The experimental results demonstrated that without the control system, the air temperature peaked at 72 °C, leading to potential product degradation. In contrast, the control system has succeeded in stabilizing the air temperature at an optimum level. Additionally, the validated CFD model confirmed the effectiveness of this control technique in various climatic conditions, including cold semi-arid, typically Mediterranean, hot semi-arid, and sub-desert conditions. The findings underline the importance and necessity of temperature control in solar drying systems, as well as the effectiveness of the CFD method in predicting system performance. Furthermore, this work significantly enhances the efficiency and applicability of solar drying technology, offering a practical solution for improving product quality and system durability.