Application of Phase Change Materials (PCM) in Solar Greenhouse Drying Systems

This study explores the integration of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) in solar greenhouse drying systems to enhance thermal stability, extend drying periods, and improve overall efficiency.Solar greenhouse dryers, while sustainable, suffer from temperature fluctuations due to intermittent solar radiation, leading to inconsistent drying quality for agricultural products like fruits, vegetables, and herbs.PCMs, such as paraffin wax or salt hydrates, absorb latent heat during melting and release it during solidification, maintaining optimal drying temperatures (40-60°C) even after sunset.The methodology involves a review of experimental setups, including PCM-embedded walls, floors, or collectors in greenhouse dryers, combined with simulations using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for heat transfer analysis.Key results from literature indicate that PCM integration reduces peak drying temperatures by up to 14.8°C, prolongs efficient operation by 3-7.5 hours, and boosts energy efficiency by 15-41.5% compared to conventional systems.For instance, paraffin-based PCMs in mixed-mode dryers reduced moisture content in peppers by 95% in 30 hours versus 75 hours in open-sun drying.Challenges include PCM cost, corrosion in inorganic types, and low thermal conductivity, addressed through nano-additives like Al2O3 for 20-50% conductivity enhancement.Conclusions highlight PCMs' potential for sustainable agriculture, with recommendations for hybrid systems combining PCM with photovoltaic-thermal collectors for year-round operation in varying climates.Future work should focus on bio-based PCMs for eco-friendly applications.

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