Integration of a Solar Air Heating System in a Continuous Infrared Dryer for Energy‐Efficient Drying

ABSTRACT The hybrid infrared‐solar technology ensures energy‐efficient, sustainable, and low‐carbon drying, reduces the operational cost of the drying process, and improves the drying performance of the dryer. The solar flat plate collector provides the hot air supply for the infrared dryer, which measurably reduces the electrical energy demand of the infrared dryer. This study aimed to develop a solar‐assisted continuous infrared dryer that utilizes the hot air generated by the solar flat plate collector. The fish drying using this dryer was conducted at various operating conditions, such as Infrared alone (1500 and 3000 W/m 2 ) and solar‐assisted infrared (1500 and 3000 W/m 2 ). The energy consumption from the electrical source was found to be lower (1.55 kWh) in solar‐assisted infrared with 1500 W/m 2 , and the electrical energy of 61.63% was replaced by solar thermal energy supplied by the SFPC during fish drying. The maximum drying efficiency of 12.27% was observed in solar‐assisted infrared at 1500 W/m 2 , followed by 11.25% solar‐assisted infrared at 3000 W/m 2 . The payback period for fish drying using this dryer was found to be less than 0.64, and the benefit–cost ratio of more than 1.55, except for infrared drying without solar at 1500 W/m 2 . This study shows the successful and efficient combination of solar energy and an infrared energy source for food drying.