Amorphous Solar Module for PV-T Collector for Solar Dryer

Solar thermal collectors generally convert sunlight into heat solely. However, if photovoltaic solar panels are used as collectors, the dryer system will get electricity in addition to the heat. The objectives of the present are to review the development of PV-T collectors and their use for solar drying. In addition, design and test a small scale solar dryer is carried out in this study by utilizing amorphous type photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) as a collector. The heat obtained is used directly as a drying medium, while electrical energy is used for power supply for air circulating devices. The solar collector consists of 40 Wp amorphous solar panel, and covered with double glass at the top, while at the bottom and both sides are insulated to minimize heat loss. Heated air in the collector is then flowed to a chamber where the product to be dried the outlet. With the fixed position, it is found that the temperature of the outlet air from the collector varies from 35 - 50 °C during the day with solar Irradiation of 300 - 1000 W/m². At the same time, the electric power output from the PV panel varies from 4 - 25 Watt.