Development of a multifunctional drying system based on a solar concentrator
Keywords:
concentrated solar energy, indirect drying, thermal storage, parabolic collector, product quality, drying kinetics, energy balance, process controlAbstract
This paper develops a literature-based design rationale for a multifunctional drying system powered by concentrated solar radiation. Findings from Uzbek studies of fruit and medicinal-plant drying are examined alongside international work on concentrating and hybrid dryers. Particular attention is paid to intermittent solar input, excessive process temperatures, nonuniform airflow, and incompatible definitions of energy performance. The synthesis leads to a conceptual configuration that connects solar heat collection, transfer, and storage with control of the drying-chamber environment. A comparative evaluation framework is outlined for energy accounting, product quality, and operating modes. The proposed configuration has not yet been experimentally validated in this study
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