Performance Analysis of an ETC-Assisted Vertical Cabinet Solar Ginger Dryer: An Experimental Study

Abstract

Solar drying is a vital technology for improving food preservation, advancing sustainable agriculture, and promoting economic development. In this context, this study focuses on evaluating and comparing the performance of an evacuated tube collector-assisted vertical cabinet solar dryer (ETC-VCSD) for ginger slices drying at different inlet air velocities. The moisture content of ginger slices alleviated from 89% to 48.43%, 11.73%, and 9.52% on a wet basis at 0.2, 1.2, and 2.2 m/s, respectively, with an average drying rate (DR) of 64.39, 72.98, and 76.48 g/h. The Midilli–Kucuk model fairly described the drying behavior of ginger slices. DR, heat transfer coefficients (h_c,a and h_e,a), and thermal efficiency were found to be maximum at 2.2 m/s, and their average values were, respectively, 76.48 g/h, 2.64 W/(m² °C), 280.38 W/(m² °C) and 12.52%. Embodied energy and fabrication costs of ETC-VCSD were 958.68 kWh and 7771.0 INR, respectively. The lowest energy payback time of ETC-VCSD was observed to be 2.57 years at 2.2 m/s and CO₂ emission was found to be 31.32 kg/year. The values of the payback period were evaluated to be 0.14, 1.12, and 1.46 years at 0.2, 1.2, and 2.2 m/s, respectively. The insights gained from this research could help develop energy-efficient drying methods, promoting sustainability in agricultural practices across urban and rural areas.