Sustainable solar drying: Recent advances in materials, innovative designs, mathematical modeling, and energy storage solutions

The utilization of solar drying technologies has gained increasing importance in the context of sustainable and energy-efficient processes. This exploration delves into current trends in solar drying, specifically focusing on materials, designs, and their integration with energy storage solutions. Within the materials domain, we examine solar collectors, absorbers, and the impactful role of phase change materials (PCMs) in augmenting drying efficiency. Innovative designs and configurations are discussed, offering insights into advanced solar drying systems. Furthermore, the integration of energy storage technologies is highlighted, critical role of energy management in solar drying applications is emphasized. The assessment encompasses performance and efficiency enhancements, including mathematical modeling and the optimization of heat transfer processes. Challenges and potential future directions in solar drying are explored, along with the promising areas for ongoing research. The object is to provide a comprehensive perspective on the recent advancements in solar drying, offering valuable insights for sustainable practices and future developments.