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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

Author

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

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Valencia Ceballos, Leslie A. & López-Vidaña, Erick César & Romero-Perez, Claudia K. & Escobedo-Bretado, Jorge & García-Valladares, Octavio & Martín Domínguez, Ignacio R., 2025. "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," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 245(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:245:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125004203
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.122758
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