Solar energy has found its widespread use in direct conversion into electricity either by photovoltaic conversion or through thermal energy, reduction in post-harvest losses, and crop drying. Solar Drying Systems analyzes the fundamentals, principles and applications, heat transfer, elements of drying and solar dryer designs, and related modeling and analysis aspects of solar energy. Discusses both technical and policy-related issues Explores up-to-date status reviews of different solar drying systems Reviews the highlights of present and future solar drying options Includes many figures, solved examples, and tables with problems/exercises at the end of each chapter This book is aimed at senior undergraduate and graduate students in energy engineering.

This book offers a comprehensive reference guide to the latest developments and advances in solar drying technology, covering the concept, design, testing, modeling, and economics of solar drying technologies, as well as their impact on the environment. The respective chapters are based on the latest studies conducted by reputed international researchers in the fields of solar energy and solar drying. Offering a perfect blend of research and practice explained in a simple manner, the book represents a valuable resource for researchers, students, professionals, and policymakers working in the field of solar drying and related agricultural applications.

The Solar Food Dryer describes how to use solar energy to dry your food instead of costly electricity. With your own solar-powered food dryer, you can quickly and efficiently dry all your extra garden veggies, fruits and herbs to preserve their goodness all year long-with free sunshine! Applicable to a wide geography-wherever gardens grow-this well illustrated book includes: Complete step-by step plans for building a high-performance, low-cost solar food dryer from readily-available materials solar energy design concepts food drying tips and recipes resources, references, solar charts, and more. - A Mother Earth News Book for Wiser Living -

Evaluation of solar drying potential. Pre-drying processing operations. The mechamisms of drying. Solar radiation. Solar collectors. Solar dryer classification. Direct dryers employing natural convection with separate collector and drying chamber. indirect dryers employing forced convection eith separate collector and drying chamber. Hybrid dryers. Ancillary equipment and recent develpments. Quality assessment. packaging and storage of dried foodstuffs. Dryer selection and design. Experiomental methodology. From theory into practice. Economics. Extension of solar crop drying technology.

As perhaps the most promising of all the renewable energy sources available today, solar energy is becoming increasingly important in the drive to achieve energy independence and climate balance. This new book is the masterwork from world-renowned expert Dr. Soteris Kalogirou, who has championed solar energy for decades. The book includes all areas of solar energy engineering, from the fundamentals to the highest level of current research. The author includes pivotal subjects such as solar collectors, solar water heating, solar space heating and cooling, industrial process heat, solar desalination, photovoltaics, solar thermal power systems, and modeling of solar systems, including the use of artificial intelligence systems in solar energy systems, modeling and performance prediction. *Written by one of the world's most renowned experts in solar energy*Covers the hottest new developments in solar technology, such as solar cooling and desalination*Packed with quick look up tables and schematic diagrams for the most commonly used systems today'

Energy requirements for drying processes and solar air heating systems. Test procedures for the evaluation of the thermal performance of solar dryers. Economics and market potential of solar crop dryers. Case studies in solar drying. World climatic zones for typical cities. Calculation of dryer parameters: some examples. Determination of moisture content. The pressure drop of the air stream. A summary of the simulation models for solar dryers. Computer code listing: economic evaluation of solar crop drying model. Economic evaluation of solar crop drying. Glossary. Conversion factors.

Drying Science and Technology provides a thorough and current investigation of the complex area of drying processes. This book is a collaborative effort that brings together prominent professionals to give a comprehensive grasp of drying science’s concepts, methodology, and applications. The book opens by underlining the importance of drying operations in a variety of sectors, including food preservation and materials processing. This opening portion provides the framework for a varied investigation that will appeal to a wide range of readers. The book covers fundamental ideas and digs into the heat and mass transport mechanisms that underpin drying processes. Readers are taken through the fundamentals that determine the efficiency and quality of drying processes, laying the groundwork for additional in-depth research. A large portion of the book is dedicated to a variety of drying processes and procedures, both traditional and cutting-edge. From basic convection drying to modern technologies such as freeze drying and microwave drying, each strategy is evaluated for its uses, benefits, and drawbacks. This broad cover guarantees that readers obtain a full understanding of the equipment available for various drying applications. The use of mathematical modeling provides a quantitative dimension to the book, with chapters focused on the development, evaluation, and application of models in drying science. This part is intended for scholars and practitioners who want a better knowledge of the quantitative features that underpin the discipline. The book highlights the dynamic nature of drying research and includes the most recent advances in drying technology. Innovations in equipment and approaches highlight the changing landscape of drying research, providing insights into cutting-edge discoveries that will impact the field’s future. With a balanced combination of theoretical insights and practical applications, Drying Science and Technology is an invaluable resource for students, researchers, and professionals working in the various fields of drying.