Pollution Research Paper

Vol 39, Issue 2, 2020; Page No.(334-344 )

ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS OF SOLAR DRYER INTEGRATED WITH A HYBRID PHOTOVOLTAIC THERMAL AIR HEATER

SAJITH K.G. AND C. MURALEEDHARAN

Abstract

Hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) solar systems provide an improved method of co generating electric energy and thermal energy from the solar energy. In the present work, a double pass hybrid PV/T air heater was developed and tested. The hybrid PV/T system was integrated to an indirect active solar dryer for drying of amla (Phyllanthus emblica). Experiments were done to determine the drying characteristics of the fruit. Annualised cost method is used to find the economic benefits. Payback period comes to 9.3 years and Benefit-Cost ratio, 1.61. Ecological sustainability of the developed technology is measured using energy matrices. Energy payback time is calculated as 2.25 years. Considering the value of $ 14.5/tCO2, for a carbon credit, environmental cost reduction per annum is Rs.1003. Thus hybrid photovoltaic-thermal system with enhanced heat dissipation methods are technologically feasible and economically aviable option for sustainable use of the solar energy.