Review of solar drying systems with air based solar collectors in Malaysia

Solar drying systems (SDSs) are environment friendly and enhance energy conservation. Such systems are a promising application of solar energy systems. SDS is an effective means of food preservation, particularly for small groups of farmers and fishers in Malaysia. Thus, these systems have been developed for agricultural and marine products in this country. This review describes the design and performance levels of different types of commercial-scale SDSs with air-based solar collectors established in Malaysia. To this end, the performances of various such SDSs are summarized in detail. Performance indices are presented as well, such as those for drying time, evaporative capacity, and drying efficiencies. Moreover, the SDSs are subject to energy-exergy-environment-economic analysis in this review.