A comprehensive review on solar drying using paraffin wax as PCM

Developing methods to alter the use of fossil fuels and save reserves for the betterment of the future is the primary concern in today's era. The radiation component of solar energy has a huge energy content. Utilizing solar energy to dry fruits, vegetables, and harvests will be a productive method of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and extending the shelf life of food items. Thus, an effort has been undertaken in this review paper to summarize research work performed previously and in the current research with the use of thermal energy storage materials. This paper discusses the practicalities of phase change materials (PCMs) and sensible heat storage. PCMs give more effective outcomes than reasonable heat-storage materials because phase changes involve substantial fusion heat. Due to its accessible availability, physical and thermodynamic features, high latent heat availability, and thermal cycle stability, paraffin wax is a commonly utilized PCM. A thorough deliberation was had about the techniques employed, the kind of thermal energy storage material used, the several kinds of solar dryers, and the efficiency comparison with natural drying methods.