Abstract:
Efficient food preservation is essential to tackle global food security challenges, particularly in developing countries where post-harvest losses reach 30–40%. Open sun drying (OSD) remains inefficient and prone to spoilage, underscoring the need for advanced methods. This study evaluates direct solar tunnel/greenhouse and indirect solar dryers as sustainable alternatives. Indirect solar dryers provide better control over drying conditions, offering protection against environmental factors for diverse materials. Solar tunnel dryers, with scalable designs and space efficiency, are suited for large-scale agricultural drying. The current study emphasizes advancements in solar dryer designs, including energy storage integration, optimized orientation, and airflow management, to enhance drying efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and maintain product quality. By leveraging renewable energy, these technologies address post-harvest losses, ensuring food security and promoting environmental sustainability. Solar drying emerges as a viable, eco-friendly solution for agricultural preservation, aligning with global efforts to mitigate food wastage and economic instability.
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