Techno-economic and environmental assessment of a photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) solar dryer for habanero chili (Capsicum chinense): 4E (energy, economic, embodied and environmental) analysis

Leslie A. Valencia Ceballos, Erick César López-Vidaña, Claudia K. Romero-Perez, Jorge Escobedo-Bretado, Octavio García-Valladares and Ignacio R. Martín Domínguez

Renewable Energy, 2025, vol. 245, issue C

Abstract: In this work, the technical, economic, embodied, and environmental parameters of a thermal-photovoltaic solar dryer (PVT-SD) were evaluated in three possible operation modes due to its coupling versatility: solar mode (SM), hybrid mode (HM), and conventional mode (CM). For the experimental evaluation, habanero chili was dehydrated. The habanero pepper samples required 18.6 h, 14.5 h, and 13.5 h to reach the final moisture content for the SM, HM, and CM modes. The maximum and minimum drying rates were around 0.025 and 0.001 g H2O/g d.m. Min−1 in all drying modes. The SM, HM, and CM configuration equipment investment costs were estimated at USD 6560.16, USD 9595.90, and USD 4961.20, respectively. The analysis of the present value in 20 years shows estimated savings of 26,258.70 USD and 6717.74 USD are obtained using SM and HM, respectively, from using solar energy instead of LP gas. The embodied energy and EPBT were estimated at 15935.03 kWh (EPBT 1.22 years), 16312.29 kWh (EPBT 1.25 years), and 3186.88 kWh for the SM, HM, and CM modes, respectively. This versatile system can operate even in the least environmentally favorable conditions because it can store energy and use conventional backup if necessary.

Keywords: Solar drying; 4E analysis; Sustainable processes; CO2 emissions; Energy payback time (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:245:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125004203

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.122758

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