Enhancing Energy Storage and Drying Efficiency in a Cabinet Solar Dryer Using Nano-Enhanced PCM with FMWCNT

This study investigates the thermal performance of cabinet-type solar dryer using paraffin wax-based NEPCM enhanced with 0.5% functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (FMWCNT). The addition of nanoparticles significantly improves the thermal conductivity and energy storage capacity of the PCM. NEPCM was integrated into the dryer walls and baffle plates beneath the trays. The system, combined with a parabolic solar concentrator, was tested for mushroom drying. Moisture content and thermal parameters were monitored throughout the process. Results showed that NEPCM effectively stored heat, maintaining dryer temperatures for 2 to 3 hours after sunlight was unavailable. The collectors' energy efficiency ranges from 51.02% to 67.45% for without PCM, from 53.02% to 85.09% for PCM, and from 58.77% to 77.52 % for NEPCM. The thermal efficiency of the dryer reached up to 22% and 27%, The energy efficiency of the NEPCM Solar Dryer drying chamber found 6.61% for without PCM, 6.85% for PCM., and 7.40% for NEPCM. The drying rate improved notably, reducing the moisture content from 17.45 to 0.0515 g water/g dry matter. Overall, incorporating FMWCNT-enhanced PCM into the solar dryer significantly enhanced energy storage and drying performance, making it a promising solution for extending drying hours and optimizing solar energy use.