Performance analysis of an enhanced indirect solar dryer with thermal storage material integration for drying apple slices

This study evaluates the performance of an enhanced indirect solar dryer with integrated thermal storage for drying apple slices efficiently, offering a practical solution for sustainable post-harvest management. The dryer features a single-pass solar collector and a 16.5 kg capacity drying chamber embedded with paraffin wax as a thermal energy storage material to maintain consistent heat during the drying process. This innovative design achieved a thermal efficiency 11 f 0.2% higher than conventional solar dryers and reduced drying time by 40 f 2.1%, aligning with the goals of energy-efficient post-harvest practices. Compared to open sun drying and thin- layer drying, the solar dryer with thermal storage (SDTS) preserved nutrients more effectively, with total sugar content reaching 64.85 f 3.50% and fiber content at 12.50 f 0.75%, the highest among all methods. Moreover, SDTS-dried apple slices exhibited greater total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity, underscoring superior product quality. The integration of thermal storage minimized drying inconsistencies, reducing postharvest losses and ensuring nutrient retention. Statistical models were developed to predict moisture ratios accurately, validated through chi-square and root mean square error analysis. This enhanced dryer demonstrates improved efficiency and reliability, making it a scalable, sustainable solution for small-scale fruit farmers, ultimately addressing critical post-harvest management challenges.