How does a solar air collector work?

The solar collector unit is made of a glass cover with a black material absorber. The solar air collector is positioned at an angle of 20° to the horizontal plane. The solar collector efficiency is 60.5%. The temperature of the solar air collector is 64 °C, and the temperature of the dehydrating air in the dehydrating chamber is 57 °C. Fig. 11.

How do solar cells work?

Working Principle: The working of solar cells involves light photons creating electron-hole pairs at the p-n junction, generating a voltage capable of driving a current across a connected load.

How does a solar dryer work?

Solar dryers are straightforward devices that accumulate solar radiation and transfer it in the form of heat energy. This heat energy is then transferred to the product for dehydration. Solar dryers can boost the dehydrating temperature and reduce relative humidity, thereby lowering the moisture content of dried products.

How do indirect solar dryers work?

Concerning the indirect solar dryers, a solar collector is used to heat the air flowing into the opaque drying chamber, as illustrated in Fig. 1.14B. The air can be directly heated in the solar collector or by the intermediate of a heat exchanger in the case of liquid HTF (usually water).

Why is solar absorptance important in direct solar drying?

In direct radiation drying, part of the solar radiation penetrates the material, and it is absorbed within the product, thus generating heat both in the interior of the product and on its surface. Therefore, the solar absorptance of the product is an important factor in direct solar drying.

How do solar air collector thermal storage materials work?

The layout of solar air collector thermal storage materials (modified from Lingayat et al. ). Misha et al. presented an indirect solar dryer combined with a solid desiccant for the dehydration of oil palm. Solar radiation energy was applied to warm water via a collector; then, the heat moved to air over the two heat exchangers.