Techno-Economics of Solar Tunnel Dryer- A Case Study

Abstract

A solar tunnel dryer installed at M/S Phosphate India Pvt. Limited has been evaluated in terms of its· techno-economic analysis, which was carried out by using different indicators such as Net Present Worth (NPW), Benefit· cost ratio and Payback period and compared with electrical drying system. The net present worth (NPW) for eolD11ltrclal solar tunnel dryer is Rs. 78,74,500 whereas for diesel fired electrical dryer it is Rs. 36,52;500. The benefit cost ratio for solar tunnel dryer and for the diesel fired electrical dryer is 7.08 and 2.36 respectively. The total payback period for commercial solar tunnel dryer is 10 months, whereas it is 2.9 years for' diesel fired electrical dryer. The economic of solar tunnel dryer was made in comparison with diesel fired electrical dryer, because initially company was having diesel fired dryer, before introduction of solar tunnel dryer. It was observed that commercial solar tunnel dryer is a good proposition for drying or all kind of material and is techno-economically better than electrical drying system. Significant saving in electrical energy could be achieved through its use.