Design and numerical analysis of a hybrid geothermal PCM flat plate solar collector dryer for developing countries

•Hybrid geothermal PCM solar flat plate collector dryer can continuously operate.•The system has 20.5% higher efficiency than conventional flat plate solar collector.•The maximum and average outlet temperature of the system are 60.59 °C and 47.24 °C.•Sensitivity and convergence analysis proves the accuracy of mathematical model.•Proposed dryer can reduce the 20% energy consumed for drying in food industry.