ENERGY AND ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS OF A PASSIVE SOLAR GREENHOUSE DRYER FOR POULTRY MANURE IN SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA
Keywords:
Solar greenhouse, manure drying, energy-economic analysis, Southeastern Nigeria, agricultural sustainabilityAbstract
This study evaluates the performance and conducts an energy-economic analysis of a passive solar greenhouse manure dryer in Southeastern Nigeria, providing an affordable and sustainable alternative to grid-powered dryers and open-air sun-drying methods. Drying tests were conducted under varying environmental conditions over a specified period, utilizing automated data loggers to monitor temperature, humidity, and manure moisture content. Results show that the greenhouse achieved an average drying time of one week for a 150 kg batch of manure, reaching equilibrium moisture content. An energy and cost analysis was performed using the life cycle cost (LCC) method, factoring in Nigeria’s prevailing energy price, inflation, and interest rates. Key parameters, including initial investment, embodied energy, carbon offset, energy payback, and cost payback period, were calculated. The findings revealed an energy payback period of 209 days and a cost payback period of 80 months. The annual energy output cost was approximately N 182,495.36, with a carbon offset of 4,305.75 kg CO2 per year. The study demonstrates that passive solar greenhouse dryers are an effective and economically viable solution for poultry manure drying in Southeastern Nigeria, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.References
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