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Sustainable hybrid solar drying technologies with auxiliary heating systems: A comprehensive review of design, performance, and deployment approaches

Author

Listed:
  • Das, Biraj
  • Singh, Pushpendra
  • Kalita, Nirvan
  • Kalita, Pankaj

Abstract

The agricultural and food sectors continue to face significant challenges related to post-harvest losses and the high energy demands of preservation processes. Solar drying has emerged as a low-emission, cost-effective alternative; however, its widespread adoption is limited by intermittency and inconsistent thermal performance. To overcome these limitations, hybrid solar dryers (HSDs) incorporating auxiliary heating systems (AHS), including biomass, LPG, electric heaters, photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) collectors, heat pumps (HP), and thermal energy storage have been developed to ensure continuous drying, improve thermal efficiency, reduce drying time, and enhance product quality. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of global research advancements in HSDs with AHS. It systematically evaluates design configurations, heating mechanisms, performance indicators, and techno-economic feasibility. Additionally, the integration of advanced technologies such as infrared, wind-assisted systems, phase-change materials (PCMs), and smart control systems is explored for their potential to optimize energy efficiency and operational stability. The article also outlines the key methodologies and analytical models used to assess the performance of HSDs, covering drying kinetics, energy and exergy analyses, enviro-economic evaluations, and sustainability metrics across diverse configurations. By consolidating recent innovations and identifying optimization pathways, this review aims to guide researchers, designers, and policymakers in developing energy-efficient, environmentally sustainable drying technologies, supporting global sustainability objectives, particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Suggested Citation

  • Das, Biraj & Singh, Pushpendra & Kalita, Nirvan & Kalita, Pankaj, 2026. "Sustainable hybrid solar drying technologies with auxiliary heating systems: A comprehensive review of design, performance, and deployment approaches," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 229(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:229:y:2026:i:c:s136403212501322x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2025.116649
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