Environmental and economic management study of phase change material integrated bifacial photovoltaic thermal-greenhouse drying system: A thermal approach

Environmental and economic analysis of any technology is essential for long-term sustainability. The present article explores the environmental and economic aspects of phase change material-integrated bifacial photovoltaic thermal greenhouse drying system (BIPVTGDPCM). The literature discusses that poor operating hours and self-sustainability are key problems with the greenhouse drying system (GD). Along with the performance issue, lack of information available on the environmental and economic impact of GD. The BIPVTGDPCM is designed to minimize all defined problems with the assurance of environmental quality. The designed system is tested at the geographical location of Rohtak, Haryana, India. The study's outcome shows that the integration of PCM (Lauric acid) runs the system even after sunset. The CO2 emission and the carbon credit earned by the system are 49,851 kg and 498,514 US$, respectively. The energy back time was found to be 2.14 years, whereas the cost payback time is 2.6 years. The system recovers energy and money invested quickly and runs with minimal cost after the payback period. The BIPVTGDPCM save almost 90121₹ (1192.94 US$) in a life span of 25 years. The thermal, electrical, environmental, and economic features of the BIPVTGDPCM make it future-ready environment-friendly food preservation technology.