Thermo-economic-environmental analysis of a biomass-fueled natural convection dryer with thermal storage materials

Abstract Using biomass as a fuel in dryers decreases reliance on fossil fuels and encourages the adoption of renewable energy sources, contributing to the overall energy security of the region. In order to achieve this, a biomass-fueled natural convection dryer has been developed, and the effects of thermal storage materials like paraffin wax and pebbles are assessed to evaluate the thermo-economic-environmental analysis of the dryer for ginger drying. The research aims to examine the energy and exergy efficiency and to verify the environmental and economic feasibility of using these thermal storage materials in the dryer. The experiments are conducted under different circumstances, including cases without thermal storage materials, using only paraffin wax or pebbles, and simultaneously using both materials. The results indicate that combining thermal storage materials yields the highest heat energy retention, maintaining higher temperatures for longer durations, and demonstrating superior energy and exergy efficiency. The dryer is also found to have a positive environmental impact with an energy payback period of 1 year and the potential to mitigate 22.82–22.89 tonnes of CO 2 over its lifetime. The financial assessment of the dryer shows that it has a payback period of 0.31–0.37 years and can produce 2218.38–2223.91 kg of dried ginger annually. Graphical Abstract