Environmentally viable and economical feasibility analysis of groundnut under natural convection solar dryer. (2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Prajapati, Chhotelal; Sheorey, Tanuja
• Is Part Of: Materials today. Volume 62:Part 12(2022)
• Page Start: 6401
• Page End: 6406
• Publication Date: 2022
• Subjects: Drying -- Cabinet solar dryer -- Natural convection -- Cost -- Payback time -- Groundnut; Materials science -- Congresses -- Periodicals; 620.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2022.03.574
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-7853

Abstract

Abstract: In the present work, the drying of groundnut under the natural convectional solar dryer is carried out. The drying experiment is performed in the meteorological condition of Jabalpur, India (23 0 17′N 79 0 94′ E). The groundnut is dried from 35% (w.b.) initial moisture content to an 8–10% (w.b.) up to a safe moisture content under the solar drying condition. The cost per kg of dried groundnut was estimated ₹ 45.05 (Indian National Rupee) (0.60 US$) for four layers, and 54.34 (0.73 US$) for a single layer respectively, under the solar drying condition. Some key characteristics, such as embodied energy, energy repayment time (EPBT) have been identified to aid in the understanding of the cost analysis of drying systems. Also, evaluate the energy analysis based on CO2 emission in kg per year, CO2 mitigation, and carbon credit earn (CCE) which make solar dryers to be environmentally viable. The cost of the solar dryer can decrease with a diminish the embodied energy and carbon credit trading. This is employed to control pollution by reducing CO2 emissions. The environmental viable to attain a reduction in carbon footprint emission. Payback time for four-layer and single layer drying is obtained to be 0.43 years and 1.74 years, respectively.