SYSTEM

SOLAR POWERED AGRO PRODUCE CONTROOLED DEHYDRATING SYSTEM

REQUIREMENT

Agro produce are generally perishable and have a limited shelf life. The agro produce can be stored for longer time if refrigerated or is 'dried'. Drying or dehydrating is a process of removing moisture form the agro produce for storing over a longer period of time. The method of dehdrating and storing of agro produce also provides better revenue. 

The most popular method of drying is open drying in sun, this process though very convenient and cheap has several disadvantages like dust, and atmospheric contamination. Another issue is removal of certain flavouring volatiles present naturally due to intense heat and sun rays. 

A system was designed using both Solar thermal and Solar PV energies. A chamber is provided wherein the agroproduce for drying is loaded and then the machine is switched 'on' with a pre-set setting to suit the produce. Air from the surrounding enters the system after dust and other particle filteration and gets heated after passing on a solar thermal plate it then enters the drying chamber and dehydrates the produce. The duration of the drying and temperature can both be controlled through a electronically controlled valve and air inlet blower fans.

The system ensures appropriate drying of produce for better shelf life and flavour.

TARGET AREA / POPULATION

Rural agro producers.

INNOVATION and DESIGN FACTOR

The innovation factor in the system are ;

• Design of a rugged all weather low cost, effective, dehydrating system.

• Design of simple controlled dehydrating system .

• Designing a simple to use system.

ROAD AHEAD

To design and develop a higher capacity dehydrating system.