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Abstract
Introduction. Scientific research aimed at improving the energy efficiency of natural convection solar drying systems and ensuring high-quality drying of agricultural products is rapidly developing worldwide.
Methods and Materials. This paper investigates the energy, exergy, economic, and environmental (4E) performance of a natural convection solar dryer integrated with a thermal energy storage solar air heating system using thermodynamic analysis methods. The structural and thermal-technical parameters of the system were studied through both theoretical and experimental approaches.
Results. Experimental investigations were conducted in April 2026 during the drying of apricot products. The results showed that the product mass decreased from 68.5 kg to 38 kg, while the amount of removed moisture reached 30.5 kg. The maximum temperature inside the drying chamber reached 64 °C. Owing to the thermal energy storage unit, stable temperature conditions were maintained during evening hours. The energy efficiency and exergy efficiency of the system were found to be 31.8% and 18.7%, respectively. The payback period of the system was 2.98 years, while the annual economic benefit amounted to 4.2 million UZS. In addition, annual electricity savings of 2,150 kWh and a reduction of 877 kg of CO2 emissions were achieved.
Conclusion. The obtained results confirm the potential for practical implementation of solar drying systems equipped with thermal energy storage units and demonstrate their capability to improve energy efficiency and environmental performance.
References
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Copyright (c) 2026 Davlonov, X.A., Norboyev, Z.X. (Muallif)