Analysis of a novel PVT dryer using a sustainable control approach

This study aimed to improve a product-focused approach for enhancing electrical and drying efficiency by utilizing a novel photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collector and a temperature control algorithm, as opposed to existing fixed implementations. Apple slices were dried in the variable air volume PVT dryer (VAVPVTD) and constant air volume PVT dryer (CAVPVTD) for desirable drying efficiency at varying air velocities. The performance of the VAVPVTD, which provides homogeneous cooling with the novel design and controls the air volume according to the surface temperature of the PV with the created algorithm, was compared to the CAVPVT. While the average surface temperature of PVT in high air volume CAVPVTD (CAVPVTD-HAV) was 5.76 % and 5.63 % lower daily, respectively, the values in VAVPVTD were 7.15 % and 4.26 % lower compared to CAVPVTD. The maximum electrical efficiency was found to be 12.51 %, 11.96 %, and 12.57 % on days 1, 3 and 4, respectively. In terms of average thermal efficiencies, Day 3's highest value was 39.05 % in CAVPVT, while Day 3's lowest value was 28.67 % in VAVPVT. Although VAV control significantly increases the electrical efficiency in PVT, the thermal efficiency was lower compared to CAVPVT. Despite the uniform temperature distribution and the favorable impact of the VAV control application on electrical efficiency, thermal efficiency was adversely impacted based on the temperature that was chosen.