Exploring Energy Performance of Taraxacum Leaves Undergoing Hybrid Forced Convection Solar Dryer

Abstract

The solar drying method consists of removing gartially and non-bound water with a small impact on the chemical structure and compositions, thus reducing the mass and minimizing the risk of numerous transformations. Taraxacum officinale leaves are well-known in the fields of pharmacology, herbal medicine, and traditional soft drinks. Since it is a seasonal plant, plants from these regions have become an indispensable element after drying and storing. The objective of this paper is to determine both total and specific energy consumption of the hybrid solar convection dryer in drying Taraxacum officinale leaves. The paper investigates the energy analysis of the leaves of Taraxacum solar drying, which includes the investigation of the impact of the aerothermal parameters’ variations: 4 temperatures (50, 60, 70, and 80°C) and 2 drying airflows (150 and 300 m³ h^–1) on the specific energy utilization in the drying process. Furthermore, this work studies the thermal efficiency as well as the energy efficiency of the solar dryer which gives room to maximize the performance of the dryer chamber. The results indicate minimal values of total energy consumption are achieved at higher temperatures and airflow rates. The findings reveal that lower total energy consumption is achieved at higher temperatures and airflow rates. Moreover, the study delves into thermal efficiency and energy efficiency, highlighting a thermal efficiency of approximately 5.58% at lower temperatures 50°C.