Performance analysis and environmental feasibility of bifacial photovoltaic thermal dryer with heat storage

In Covid19, it was observed that dehydrated commodity (fruits, vegetables, meat, etc.) was the most sustainable because of their long life and availability. The stored product market grew very fast after Covid19. It was pre-dicted that the dehydrated circular economy would be the future of food demand and supply. The greenhouse dryer (GD) was the most economical and environmentally viable among various drying techniques. However, the problem associated with GD was low operating hours, sustainability, heat loss from the North wall, and operation after sunset. The present study incorporated a bifacial photovoltaic thermal (BIFPVT) on the roof, Lauric acid as a phase change material (PCM), and an aluminium foil-wrapped thermocol (Polystyrene foam) on the north wall of the GD as an insulation to overcome the above-said problem. The thermal efficiency of the modified greenhouse dryer was found to be lie in the range of 26-54%. In contrast, the electrical efficiency was found to be 20.1%. The integration of the thermal energy storage (TES) system runs the system even after sunset and improves the operation hours. The designed system not only makes the system self-sustainable but also mitigates 3136 kg of CO2 in its whole life span. The modified TES can further improve the thermal performance of the GD. A PCM-integrated BIFPVT greenhouse dryer is recommended for cleaner production.

Automated summary

In the midst of Covid19, dehydrated commodities emerged as the most sustainable option due to their long shelf life and availability. The stored product market experienced rapid growth, leading to the belief that dehydrated circular economy is the future of food supply and demand. Among various drying techniques, the greenhouse dryer (GD) was found to be the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly. However, challenges such as limited operating hours, sustainability issues, heat loss, and the inability to operate after sunset were encountered. To address these concerns, this study implemented a bifacial photovoltaic thermal system, a phase change material, and an insulation solution. The modified GD exhibited a thermal efficiency ranging from 26% to 54%, with an electrical efficiency of 20.1%. The integration of a thermal energy storage system allowed the GD to operate even after sunset and extend its operating hours. Furthermore, the designed system achieved self-sustainability and reduced CO2 emissions by 3136 kg over its lifespan. The inclusion of a PCM-integrated BIFPVT greenhouse dryer is recommended for cleaner production.