Abstract
The main objective of the current paper is to design a forced convection thermal energy storage (TES) system adoptable, adaptable and affordable by small-scale tobacco farmers in Zimbabwe. The design’s fabrication would comprise of locally available materials. The aim of the design is to save energy resources applied in tobacco curing processes such as solar, biogas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), coal, electricity, firewood, and paddy husks as is the case in Sri Lanka. Several researchers have worked to introduce new fuel sources in tobacco curing. There has also been a major focus on structural improvement of tobacco barns through raising barn interior insulation levels, selection of ideal construction materials as well as plugging all existing and potential thermal leakage points during regular maintenance. No research has been carried out focusing on introduction of thermal energy storage systems to complement other energy utilization efficiency initiatives being taken. This paper specifically designs a thermal energy storage system as an energy efficiency improvement measure in tobacco curing. Apart from tobacco curing, the TES system being designed would be applicable to drying processes of other crops such as maize, paprika and other fruits and vegetables.