Analysis of Hybrid Photovoltaic Thermal (PV/T) Integrated Solar Dryer: An Experimental Validation

Notice

This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2026 | Volume : 13 | 01 | Page :
    By

    Trapti Varshney,

  • Satya Sai Srikant,

  • Sanjay Agrawal,

  1. Research Scholar/Lecturer, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering,SRM Institute of Science and Technology,Modinagar/Department of Electrical Engineering,Mahamaya Polytechnic of Information Technology,Hathras, Uttarpradesh, India
  2. Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering,SRM Institute of Science and Technology ,Modinagar, Uttarpradesh, India
  3. Professor, Department of Engineering and Technology IGNOU, New Delhi/Electrical Engineering Department, National Institute of Technology, Meghalya., Delhi/Meghalya., India

Abstract

In this study, a hybrid photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) integrated solar dryer has been designed, developed, and experimentally analyzed to evaluate its performance in real-world climatic conditions. The system incorporates a UV-stabilized sheet mixed-mode tent house structure, installed on the rooftop of a building located in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, India. The dryer is equipped with a thermal collector directly connected to the drying chamber to enhance heat transfer efficiency. Experiments were conducted in the month of November using 5 kg of methi (fenugreek leaves) as the test crop. The drying chamber included two perforated trays for uniform drying. Key atmospheric parameters such as ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and solar irradiance were continuously monitored. The PV/T system not only supplied the necessary thermal energy for drying but also generated electrical power for auxiliary components if required. Two perforated trays were installed in the drying chamber to ensure even airflow and steady drying of the product layers. Throughout the studies, important operational and environmental factors, including as solar irradiance, wind speed, relative humidity, and ambient temperature, were continuously tracked to evaluate system performance. The PV/T module produced electrical power that could be used for auxiliary parts like fans or monitoring equipment in addition to thermal energy for moisture removal. The dried product retained the desired color, texture, and aroma, suggesting exceptional quality, and the experimental findings showed good moisture reduction and drying. Overall, the results validate PV/T integrated solar dryers’ technological viability and promise as an energy-efficient and sustainable solution for agricultural drying applications in semi-urban and rural settings. The results demonstrated efficient drying performance, with the final product retaining desirable color, texture, and aroma, indicating a high-quality outcome. This experimental validation highlights the feasibility and effectiveness of PV/T integrated solar dryers for sustainable agricultural processing in semi-urban settings.

Keywords: Hybrid photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) integrated solar dryer, Electrical efficiency, thermal efficiency, Solar Dryer

How to cite this article:
Trapti Varshney, Satya Sai Srikant, Sanjay Agrawal. Analysis of Hybrid Photovoltaic Thermal (PV/T) Integrated Solar Dryer: An Experimental Validation. Journal of Thermal Engineering and Applications. 2026; 13(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
Trapti Varshney, Satya Sai Srikant, Sanjay Agrawal. Analysis of Hybrid Photovoltaic Thermal (PV/T) Integrated Solar Dryer: An Experimental Validation. Journal of Thermal Engineering and Applications. 2026; 13(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jotea/article=2026/view=238883


References

1. Diwania S, Kumar M, Gupta V, Agrawal S, Khetrapal P, Gupta N. Insight into the Investigation of Thermo-Electrical Performance of Hybrid Photovoltaic-Thermal Air-Collector. Journal of The Institution of Engineers (India): Series B. 2024 Oct;105(5):1275-83.

2. Varshney T, Agrawal S, Kumar J, Kumar S. Performance Analysis and Environmental Evaluation of a Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) Air Collector Solar Dryer. MAPAN. 2025 Apr 5:1-6.

3. Som MG, Maity TK. Fenugreek In: Vegetable crops in India (TK Bose and MG Som, eds.) Naya Prakash. Calcutta, India. 1986:680-6.

4. Bajaj M, Aggarwal P, Minhas KS, Sidhu JS. Effect of blanching treatments on the quality characteristics of dehydrated fenugreek leaves. Journal of Food Science and Technology- Mysore. 1993 May 1;30(3):196-8.

5. Duke J. Handbook of legumes of world economic importance. Springer Science & Business Media; 2012 Dec 6.

6. Kalaskar AB, Sonkamble AM, Patil PS. Studies on drying and dehydration of fenugreek leaves.

7. Tayade VD, Bhople SR, Jawarkar AK, Dalal SR, Ghawade SM. Effect of pre-treatments on dehydrated Kasuri methi (Trigonella corniculata L.). The Pharma Innovation Journal. 2021;10(5):1034-7.

8. Khelifa A, Touafek K, Moussa HB, Tabet I. Modeling and detailed study of hybrid photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) solar collector. Solar Energy. 2016 Oct 1;135:169-76.

9. Garg HP, Adhikari RS. Performance analysis of a hybrid photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) collector with integrated CPC troughs. International journal of energy research. 1999 Dec;23(15):1295-304.

10. Karaaslan I, Menlik T. Numerical study of a photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) system using mono and hybrid nanofluid. Solar Energy. 2021 Aug 1;224:1260-70.

Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
01
Received 25/07/2025
Accepted 04/02/2026
Published 19/03/2026
Publication Time 237 Days
58

Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics