Fundamentals of Solar Greenhouse Dryer

Solar energy is an energy provided by the Sun in the form of solar radiation. Every day the Sun radiates, or sends out, an enormous amount of energy. This Radiant energy has powered life on earth for millions of years and is one of the most important source of energy for life forms. Solar energy is a renewable resource and it is becoming increasingly common that this energy is converted and used as an alternative to fossil fuels. Many technologies can harvest it directly to produce solar electricity for use in homes and businesses globally. Solar drying is an energy intensive process. Solar drying is considered to be a simultaneous application of heat and the removal of moisture from products which is an important process for the future of sustainability. Greenhouse structure used for drying is called greenhouse dryer and it works on the principle of greenhouse effect. With the greenhouse dryers, agriculture products can be dried directly on the sun. As this juncture, it is essential to study the drying process in open sun drying method by using solar devices. The information on drying process either in open sun drying method or in greenhouse solar drying method by using solar devices will be useful for understanding the heat process those are involved in both drying methods. t is widely used for drying of agricultural and value-added food and medicinal products in safe and controlled environment.