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The search for innovative solutions to improve the performance of indirect solar dryers (ISD) remains a challenge. The aim of this study is to propose a numerical approach to a Parabolic Trough Solar Concentrator (PTSC) that can be coupled to a solar dryer. A proposed thermal model has been analyzed from an energy, exergy and environmental point of view, based on a few design parameters (impacts of PTSC imputs on its output performance). The numerical model is simulated in Matlab. Sensitivity analysis shows that a configuration with length L = 2. 2 m, \: ṁ =0. 07 kg/s, Tin between 32 and 36 °C gives output temperatures of around 70 °C maximum and 62 °C monthly average. The proposed PTSC emits an average of 302. 02 gCO2/month. For daily operation, average daily emissions are estimated at 9. 93 gCO2/day. Compared with other technologies used in indirect drying, the amount of CO2 emissions from biomass is 19605. 78gCO2/year, compared with 7618. 25gCO2/year from solar thermal and 3624. 27gCO2/year from the PTSC studied. This system shows promise in significantly improving the performance of environmentally-friendly indirect solar dryers. An experimental realization would be necessary and seen as an asset in the dynamics of innovative solutions of indirect solar dryers (ISD).
Pakouzou et al. (Thu,) studied this question.