Optimized Simulation of a Solar Reflectance Window‐Infrared Hybrid Dryer With a PV‐Thermal Collector

This study focuses on the simulation, fabrication, and optimization of a combined drying system that uses a reflectance window (RW) integrated with infrared radiation and a photovoltaic‐thermal (PV‐T) solar collector. The simulation tested various configurations, including four layout models (longitudinal, transverse, elliptical, and circular); different pipe diameters (1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 inches) placed behind the PV panel; and multiple irradiation intensities (800, 1000, and 1200 W/m 2 ). This detailed design was created using SolidWorks Flow Simulation software, followed by optimization with Design Expert software. Performance evaluation involved drying apple slices at a fluid temperature of 60°C, water flow rates of 1.5, 2, and 3 L/min, and infrared (IR) intensities of 0.21, 0.33, and 0.49 W/cm 2 . The results showed that the circular pipe arrangement was the most efficient in terms of electrical performance and panel cooling, making it the best configuration. Within this setup, a pipe diameter of 3/4 inch and an irradiation intensity of 1200 W/m 2 achieved the highest overall system efficiency. The optimization results from Design Expert indicated that a linear model best fit the simulated parameters. The maximum drying time and minimum drying rate occurred at 60°C with a hot water flow rate of 1.5 L/min and an IR of 0.21 W/cm 2 , with values of 150 min and 2 g/min, respectively. Conversely, the shortest drying time and highest drying rate were observed at a flow rate of 3 L/min and an IR of 0.49 W/cm 2 , with values of 90 min and 4 g/min, respectively.