Advancements in sustainable hybrid drying systems: A comprehensive review of technologies on experimental and numerical modeling techniques
Raktim Jyoti Barpatra Gohain, Partha Pratim Dutta
Abstract
Solar hybrid drying (SHD) systems integrate solar energy with supplementary energy sources like biomass, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and phase change materials (PCM), etc. This offers a sustainable and efficient solution for drying agricultural products, especially under variable environmental conditions. This comprehensive review evaluates the development, performance, and techno-economic feasibility of various hybrid drying technologies. Notable findings from experimental studies include improvements in drying efficiency ranging from 20% to over 70%, reduced drying time by 50% (maximum), and enhanced energy and exergy performance. The review also highlights significant economic benefits, with payback periods as short as 0.5 years. Additionally, it emphasizes environmental advantages, including substantial carbon emission reductions. Advanced modeling techniques such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), artificial neural networks (ANN), and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) are discussed for their accuracy in simulating and optimizing hybrid dryer performance. Despite the progress, critical challenges stay in terms of scalability, standardization, and integration of control systems. This review provides strategic insights to guide future research and development in hybrid drying technologies, emphasizing the need for modular, cost-effective, and environmentally resilient systems tailored for both industrial and decentralized rural applications.