Design and Analysis of Simple, Low-Cost Solar Dryers for Rural Applications: An Integrated Review

A Mohamad; N A M Amin; M Izham; M S Mohamad; M H Basha

doi:10.58915/aset.v5i1.3208

Authors

A Mohamad Universiti Malaysia Perlis
N A M Amin Universiti Malaysia Perlis
M Izham Universiti Malaysia Perlis
M S Mohamad Universiti Malaysia Perlis
M H Basha Universiti Malaysia Perlis

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58915/aset.v5i1.3208

Keywords:

Rural agricultural processing, Solar drying, Solar air collector, Thermal energy storage

Abstract

Simple, low-cost solar dryers can reduce post-harvest losses, improving product quality and increasing rural incomes by using locally available materials and renewable solar energy. This paper synthesises the experimental, numerical, and techno-economic literature on solar drying technologies, with a special focus on rural applications and simple constructions. The review includes optimised collector geometries, such as V-groove and V-corrugated collectors, double-pass systems, and finned absorbers, as well as natural and forced convection systems, sensible and latent thermal storage (phase change materials, PCMs), and protection and usability features. Reported results show high thermal efficiencies for advanced solar air collectors, significant reductions in drying time when PCMs or conduction enhancement are used, and favourable energy and economic performance for well-designed systems. The discussion relates such technical findings to implementation realities using design-oriented guidelines for the utilisation of solar thermal energy in rural areas.

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