Thermodynamic analysis of a sustainable solar-biomass hybrid dryer with thermal energy storage systems

An efficient continuous-type solar-biomass powered grain-dryer coupled with thermal storage mediums (sensible and latent) has been developed for small-scale farmers. Thermodynamic analysis of the developed dryer has been performed for performance optimization. This investigation comprises the energy and exergy examination of paddy drying of 12 kg capacity for the moisture content reduction of 20.4 % (34.2 % to 13.8 %). Thermal storage mediums, such as pebbles and paraffin wax, are used to maintain stable temperature during the drying process in the chamber of a biomass-based dryer. In this analysis, two batches of paddy (12 kg/batch) were successfully dried in each drying mode (solar and biomass operating mode). Solar energy was used in paddy drying during the daytime and biomass energy during the night. The improvement potential and sustainability index of dryer under solar drying have also been evaluated. The environmental impact analysis of the dryer has also been conducted.