Energy and exergy analyses of solar drying of black cardamom (Amomum subulatom Roxburgh) using indirect type flat plate collector solar dryer

This study has summarized the energy and exergy analyses of flat plate collector solar dryer. The study involves a fundamental method for the design of the solar collector based on minimum entropy generation number (Ns) and mass flow number (M). The optimal performance parameters of the solar collector were determined using thermodynamic optimization procedure. Black cardamom was dried in the solar dryer at the drying air temperature range of 26-62 degrees C. The amount of useful energy varied between 0.07 and 0.63 kW based on the degree of solar insolation. Subsequently, it was observed that the useful energy accumulated by the solar dryer was sufficient to dry black cardamom samples to 8.2% moisture content from an initial moisture content of 80.6%. The range of energy utilization values inside the cabinet was between 7.53 and 74.61 W for a period of 24 hr. It was observed that the energy utilization ratio (EUR) varied from 22.12-80.73%, 22.62-97.71%, and 14.25-77.81%, respectively, for the three consecutive days. The increase in the inlet air temperature led to an increase in the EUR values. Furthermore, during the drying studies, the exergy efficiency of the drying chamber was ranged from 31.19% to 93.28%, with an average of 72.08%. The developed solar dryer incorporates a free energy source, sustainability, increased drying capacity, and the creation of high-quality products. This dryer can be promoted as beneficial and sustainable equipment for drying agro products by small and marginal farmers. Practical applications Free energy sources and sustainability are the benefits of this solar dryer system. Agricultural producers are considering the use of renewable energy, such as solar energy, in the drying of agricultural goods. The design of the solar collector was based on the minimum entropy generation number. In this study, a dynamic model was provided in which the kinetics of moisture reduction are calculated based on the quantity of solar energy received in the collector and the temperature fluctuation in the collector. The exergy input and exergy loss of the dryer are affected by solar radiation. The quantity of energy received and consumed is included in the energy analysis.