The hybrid solar drying system stands out with its significant time savings, high energy efficiency, and superior product quality compared to conventional methods. It offers a viable business model with a quick return on investment and is more cost-effective than competing overseas brands. By providing a sustainable, environmentally friendly solution, it meets the growing demand for high-quality, healthy food products, positioning itself as a leader in the market.

Traditional seaweed drying methods are time-consuming, inefficient, and often produce inconsistent quality. Conventional drying can take up to 20 days and is heavily dependent on weather conditions, leading to variability in product quality. Additionally, there is a lack of detailed energy and exergy analyses for seaweed drying systems, making it challenging to optimize and improve current practices.

The hybrid solar drying system addresses these issues by combining solar energy and advanced drying techniques. It significantly reduces drying time, enhances energy efficiency, and ensures consistent product quality. By implementing IoT for monitoring and data analysis, the system optimises the drying process, making it more reliable and efficient. This solution not only saves time and energy but also produces high-quality dried seaweed that meets industry standards.

The hybrid solar drying system introduces several innovative aspects: detailed energy and exergy analyses specific to seaweed drying, the integration of IoT for autonomous system monitoring and data forecasting, and a novel drying technique that preserves seaweed quality. This innovation ensures a higher drying performance and better energy utilisation, making it a pioneering approach in the seaweed drying industry.