The traditional approach of open-sun drying is facing contemporary challenges arising from the widespread adoption of energy-intensive methods and the quality of drying. In response, solar dryers have emerged as a sustainable alternative, utilizing solar thermal energy to effectively dehydrate vegetables. This study investigates the performance of a single-basin, double-slope solar dryer utilizing natural convection for drying bottle gourds and tomatoes, presenting a sustainable alternative to traditional open-sun…

Abstract The assessment and enhancement of any drying system for optimal drying processes relies on critical parameters, namely moisture diffusivity and activation energy. In this study, medicinally beneficial kohlrabi of 40‐mm diameter and 6‐mm thickness samples were dried under three different drying methods, namely open sun drying (OSD), natural air‐circulation mode (NACM) single slope direct solar dryer (SSDSD), and forced air‐circulation mode (FACM) SSDSD. The experimental results showed that the drying chamb…

Studying crucial drying parameters, such as activation energy and moisture diffusivity, offers valuable insights for optimizing food safety. Accurate predictions and simulations through mathematical thin-layer models aid in designing, controlling, and optimizing drying operations for various food items. Solar drying presents a viable and eco-friendly solution for food preservation. This chapter critically evaluates solar drying performance for various vegetables, fruits, marine products, and other commodities, pro…

<title>Abstract</title> Solar energy is widely acknowledged as a renewable and environmentally friendly energy source. Efficient storage of heat energy is a crucial challenge in solar thermal applications. Phase Change Materials (PCMs) have gained prominence due to their unique ability to store and release thermal energy through phase transition. The advantageous characteristic of PCMs is their low melting point, facilitating efficient heat storage and retrieval through latent heat of vaporization. This comprehens…