Solar Dryers

Sun-Powered Preservation

What is a Solar Dryer?

A solar dryer uses the sun’s energy to remove moisture from fruits and vegetables, preserving them for months. This process not only extends the shelf life but also maintains the nutritional value and flavor of the produce.

Eco-Friendly

Solar dryers utilize renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing carbon footprint.

Cost-Effective

By harnessing free solar energy, operational costs are significantly lowered compared to traditional drying methods.

High Efficiency

Solar dryers can effectively dry large quantities of produce, making them ideal for commercial operations.

Quality Preservation

The gentle drying process preserves the color, flavor, and nutritional content of fruits and vegetables.

For commercial fruit and vegetable producers, extending the shelf life of produce is crucial. One of the most efficient and eco-friendly methods to achieve this is through the use of solar dryers.

WHY DRYING IS REQUIRED?

Among the numerous methods used for food preservation, drying is one of the most ancient and continues to be widely utilized today. Drying involves removing water from food through vaporization or sublimation, thereby reducing the water content available for degradation reactions caused by chemical, enzymatic, or microbial activity.

Ancient Techniques

Historical Significance: Oldest known method of food preservation.
Process: Removes water via vaporization or sublimation to prevent degradation.
Factors: Relied on natural conditions and basic transfer mechanisms.
Enduring Value: Effective in extending shelf life and preserving nutritional quality and flavor.

Modern Techniques

Evolution: Advanced methods evolved from traditional practices.
Processes: Utilize technologies like hot air, spray, freeze drying, infrared, microwave, radiofrequency, osmotic dehydration, and combined methods.
Advantages: Enhance efficiency, control drying parameters, and preserve quality and flavor effectively.

Technical Specifications of the Solar Dryer

Our solar dryer is designed to maximize efficiency and quality in food drying. It boasts a drying capacity of 20 kg for tomatoes and 30 kg for tubular crops, utilizing four drying trays, each measuring 940 mm x 414 mm. The cladding is made from UV-stabilized polycarbonate sheets, ensuring durability and optimal performance. The average temperature within the dryer ranges from 50-75°C on clear sunny days and 40-45°C on cloudy or overcast days.

The solar dryer features a solar air collector area of approximately 2.25 m² and a total solar exposed area of about 3.5 m². Its footprint area measures 3631 mm x 950 mm. The multi-tray design incorporates a serpentine flow path to enhance drying efficiency. Equipped with four circulation fans and powered by a solar panel with a 2-hour battery backup (rated at 25 W), the dryer ensures consistent performance. Additionally, it includes four exhaust fans to facilitate airflow.

The average drying times are impressive, with leaves drying in just 2 hours under clear sky conditions, while tomatoes and tubular crops require 7-10 hours and 7-9 hours, respectively, under similar conditions. This solar dryer offers a reliable and sustainable solution for preserving various types of produce.

Solar Dryer for Agricultural purpose

Vegetables inside Solar Dryer

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For more information on modern drying techniques and how they can benefit your food preservation processes, contact us today. We’re committed to helping you achieve superior efficiency and quality in food conservation.