Progress and Latest Developments in Hybrid Solar Drying with Thermal Energy Storage System

Abstract

The present paper represents the progress and latest developments in hybrid solar drying along with thermal energy storage. Drying requires large amount of continuous energy for removing the present moisture in food and agriculture commodities. Solar energy is a most reliable renewable energy source available freely all around the world. Solar energy along with thermal energy storage can meet the continuous energy requirement for drying processes. A hybrid solar dryer is eco-friendly renewable energy device used for drying the food and agriculture commodities. Hybrid solar dryer requires small functional area, and it saves time and improves quality of food products compared to other conventional drying methods. Solar dryer is classified into three categories: direct solar dryers, indirect solar dryers, and mixed-type dryers. Hybrid solar drying is a continuous drying method; it works in night hours by back up of thermal source with energy storage. Drying is completed rapidly by hybrid solar dryer and product is saved in good quality and without spoilage by microbial infestation. A hybrid solar dryer does not merely depend upon solar energy for its operation but also it combines other components of heating source with sun energy. In this paper, the progress and latest developments in hybrid solar drying technique with thermal energy storage system are represented.