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Mar 08, 2025

Evaluations Of Energy And Exergy Unveil Solar Drying System Efficiency - The Pinnacle Gazette

The energy efficiency of food drying methods is increasingly significant as global resources are stretched thin. A recent study conducted at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences

The energy efficiency of food drying methods is increasingly significant as global resources are stretched thin. A recent study conducted at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) examined the performance of solar drying systems, focusing on the drying kinetics of apple slices.

The research presented energy and exergy analyses of two differently shaped dryers connected to two similar solar air heaters over two days. The aim was to optimize solar energy use, which is considered one of the most effective and sustainable energy sources for drying applications.

During the experiment conducted between August and September 2024, researchers found noteworthy differences between the energy output of the dryers. On the first day, the average efficiencies of solar air heaters (SAHs) were calculated at 53.85% for SAH 1 and 49.79% for SAH 2. Correspondingly, the efficiencies for the drying chambers were 37.94% and 36.15%. On the second day, efficiencies dropped slightly, with SAH 1 and SAH 2 measuring 47.18% and 44.19%, with efficiency figures for the dryers at 35.9% and 34.4%.

Energy analysis plays a key role, with metrics indicating how effectively energy is converted for use. The study emphasizes the importance of both energy inflow and exergies, noting how they vary based on dryer designs.

The drying process utilized three kilograms of golden apples purchased from Coop, Gödöllő, Hungary. The selected apples were sliced horizontally and subjected to solar drying to analyze their performance. The research also utilized mathematical modeling to predict drying behavior accurately, with the Midilli model found to provide the best fit based on statistical analyses. The model recorded R² values of 0.9969, followed closely by logarithmic and two-term models demonstrating strong predictive capabilities.

Mathematical modeling, along with energy and exergy analysis, aids researchers and engineers to design more efficient drying systems. The principles established can be used to optimize other agricultural processes utilizing solar technology.

The impact of the solar drying efficiency is notable, as revealed by how the characteristics of the solar drying systems play significant roles. The designs highlighted indicate how modifications could lead to improvements, including how the angle of solar panels or the shape of the drying chamber influences energy capture.

“Exergy analysis plays a key role in identifying energy losses and optimizing system design,” the authors of the article wrote. This highlights how such assessments are integral to attaining sustainability alongside economic advantages of improved food preservation methods.

The practical applications of this research extend to the global community as food sustainability remains one of the foremost challenges related to food security. The findings demonstrate how solar energy systems can efficiently preserve food and extend shelf life, which is particularly beneficial for areas with ample sunlight but limited resources.

Considering the growing relevance of renewable energy sources, the research contributes significantly to future advancements. The authors suggest implementing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and artificial neural networks (ANN) for optimization processes and exploring market feasibility for these technologies.

The study's insights reinforce the relevance of innovative approaches to food preservation and the increasingly imperative role of solar energy within agricultural practices. Efficient food drying methods not only secure food supply chains but also combat economic pressures faced by farmers and producers globally, presenting solar drying as both a sustainable and economically viable solution.