eversvd,+2 (11)

Direct sun drying, also known as open sun drying, is the most cost-effective and environmentally beneficial technique of agricultural product preservation, but it degrades crop quality. Solar dryers play an essential part in producing high-quality and hygienic products; however, it is cost and maintenance expensive. Also, it has an inadequate drying performance during off sunshine periods, especially at night and during different seasons. As a result, this study examines a variety of low-cost, high-efficiency materials previously utilized in research to identify an ideal combination of cost-effective materials that small-scale farmers in off-grid areas can use. Furthermore, this research explores several optimization methodologies and processes for effectively storing energy during periods of low solar radiation, thereby enhancing and prolonging the performance of solar dryers. The findings indicate promising potential for optimizing solar drying practices by integrating various materials and methods, leading to improved agricultural preservation strategies for crops in the Philippines.