Numerical and experimental analysis of the thermo-energetic performance of ventilation in a solar drying chamber

Abstract

The rising demand for energy, coupled with environmental concerns and the depletion of fossil fuels, has heightened the need for renewable energy solutions. Solar energy, characterized by its abundance and sustainability, plays a critical role in addressing these challenges. Among its many applications, solar drying has emerged as an efficient and eco-friendly method for preserving agricultural and food products. By leveraging solar energy, drying technologies reduce dependency on conventional energy sources while improving product quality and reducing waste. This thesis investigates the optimization of solar drying systems, focusing on the drying chamber's ventilation and the enhancement of solar collectors. A combination of experimental and numerical analyses was conducted to evaluate the impact of design modifications and material choices on drying performance. Experimental setups at the Applied Research Unit for Renewable Energies in Ghardaia explored various configurations, including the integration of obstacles, ribs, and inserts in both direct and indirect solar dryers. Numerical simulations using ANSYS Fluent provided insights into airflow patterns and heat transfer dynamics, validating experimental findings and guiding design improvements. The results demonstrate that integrating obstacles and other structural enhancements significantly improves heat transfer, airflow distribution, and drying efficiency, reducing drying time and energy consumption. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of sustainable materials and advanced monitoring systems to optimize operational parameters and minimize environmental impact. This work contributes to bridging gaps in solar drying research by focusing on internal chamber enhancements and integrating advanced design features. The findings support the development of cost-effective and environmentally friendly solar drying systems, offering practical solutions for food preservation and energy efficiency in agricultural and industrial applications.