The Intelligent Solar Dryer Project Wins Morocco’s Research & Innovation Award
As part of its strategy to foster solar energy development and energy efficiency in Morocco, Solaire Expo Maroc launched, for the second time, the Research & Innovation Award (CURI) in the fields of solar energy and energy efficiency. This award seeks to highlight and reward exceptional, innovative projects developed in Morocco—particularly those that engage young researchers in supporting the implementation of the national Energy Strategy 2020.
Three awards were presented to honor outstanding university research, R&D, and innovation initiatives during the closing ceremony of Solaire Expo 2015, held on February 27, 2015.
The first Research & Innovation Award in solar energy and energy efficiency was awarded to Elfarouali Hicham, a doctoral candidate affiliated with the Laboratory of Electrical Systems and Telecommunications at the Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, University Cadi Ayyad, under the supervision of Professors S. Doubabi and N. Abdenouri. His project is titled:
“Design and Implementation of an Intelligent Solar Dryer.”
About the Project:
The project entails designing a smart, solar-powered dryer suited to Moroccan conditions, featuring a control and regulation system for temperature, humidity, and drying-air flow rate. The dryer’s specifications—such as temperature and humidity ranges—are tailored to the products being processed. The primary energy source is solar power; however, a supplementary heat source is integrated to compensate for solar intermittency. An energy storage system is also included to capture excess energy for later use. Moreover, the system is equipped with an information module that monitors the hydric properties and optimal drying conditions for target products, as well as an energy management system designed to minimize consumption.
This hybrid solar dryer, equipped with an automated energy management system, enables improved valorization of local agricultural products. With appropriate adjustments, the same technology can be adapted and scaled to accommodate other industrial materials (e.g. ores, pulp, etc.).
