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 typephotovoltaic-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 andboth sides are insulated to minimize heat loss. Heated air inthe collector is then flowed to a chamber where the product tobe dried the outlet. With the fixed position, it is found that the temperature of the outlet air from the collector varies from35 – 50 oC during the day with solar Irradiation of 300 – 1000W/m2. At the same time, the electric power output from thePV panel varies from 4 – 25 Watt