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<p>In sustainable dairy processing, optimizing solar thermal energy storage with phase change materials (PCMs) is key to reducing costs and environmental impact. However, research on the performance, efficiency, and product quality retention of PCM-integrated solar dairy systems remains limited. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility and performance of a PCM-integrated solar unit for yogurt incubation, focusing on thermal storage efficiency and its impact on product quality. The system utilized PET bottles filled with a paraffin wax mixture containing 13.3% metallic inclusion and 7.7% beeswax to enhance thermal conductivity and stability. The outcome of the study demonstrated that during peak sunlight, the PCM reached a maximum temperature of 73&#xa0;°C, maintaining an outlet air temperature 6–9&#xa0;°C above ambient for up to 3&#xa0;h post-sunset. No-load trials indicated that the system could sustain incubation temperatures for 10–11 h, ensuring uniform heat distribution across trays. Comparative quality assessments showed no significant differences between the yogurt produced in the experimental and conventional incubator in terms of various physicochemical attributes. The findings indicate that PCM-integrated solar units offer a viable alternative for yogurt incubation, reducing reliance on electrical energy. Future research could explore photovoltaic-assisted blowers and expanding the system for other fermented dairy products. </p>

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Investigation of thermal performance of phase change materials-integrated solar yogurt incubation system and its effect on product’s characteristics

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年5月19日

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  • Chitranayak Sinha,
  • Prateek,
  • Arijit Ray,
  • P. S. Minz,
  • Priyanka,
  • Khushbu Kumari,
  • J. K. Dabas

摘要

In sustainable dairy processing, optimizing solar thermal energy storage with phase change materials (PCMs) is key to reducing costs and environmental impact. However, research on the performance, efficiency, and product quality retention of PCM-integrated solar dairy systems remains limited. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility and performance of a PCM-integrated solar unit for yogurt incubation, focusing on thermal storage efficiency and its impact on product quality. The system utilized PET bottles filled with a paraffin wax mixture containing 13.3% metallic inclusion and 7.7% beeswax to enhance thermal conductivity and stability. The outcome of the study demonstrated that during peak sunlight, the PCM reached a maximum temperature of 73 °C, maintaining an outlet air temperature 6–9 °C above ambient for up to 3 h post-sunset. No-load trials indicated that the system could sustain incubation temperatures for 10–11 h, ensuring uniform heat distribution across trays. Comparative quality assessments showed no significant differences between the yogurt produced in the experimental and conventional incubator in terms of various physicochemical attributes. The findings indicate that PCM-integrated solar units offer a viable alternative for yogurt incubation, reducing reliance on electrical energy. Future research could explore photovoltaic-assisted blowers and expanding the system for other fermented dairy products.