Decentralized Solar Thermal Dryer for Hygienic Drying of Food Products

The decentralized mixed-mode solar thermal dryer offers a sustainable, cost-effective solution for efficient drying of agricultural and marine products, particularly in rural and coastal regions. By integrating solar thermal energy with a solar PV-operated dehumidification system, it significantly reduces drying time by up to 50% compared to traditional open sun drying, while ensuring superior product quality. Controlled drying temperatures (60–75°C) and a 90% UV cut-off film help retain natural color, texture, and nutritional value, enhancing market acceptance and price realization. The system’s hot air recirculation feature improves thermal efficiency and reduces energy losses. Its modular and scalable design (5 kg to 300 kg per batch) makes it suitable for households, self-help groups, and small enterprises. Additionally, the dryers can also be effortlessly modified to household oven or cooker if needed, and hence can serve as an all-purpose cooking device for rural homes. Overall, it enables income generation, reduces post-harvest losses, and promotes clean energy adoption and livelihood development

The decentralized mixed-mode solar thermal dryer is designed for drying a wide range of agricultural and marine products, including fruits, vegetables, spices, fish, and seaweed. It is suitable for use by rural households, self-help groups, small-scale food processors, and coastal communities

• 80% UV cut off film in the drying cabinet to take care of appearance of the dried product;
• Apposite air flow pattern which facilitates both –side uniform drying;
• Solar photovoltaic powered dehumidifiers to control the relative humidity achieve a dried batch in much less time than in open;
• Recirculation of spent dehumidified air to minimize thermal energy loss;
• Induced draft fan at the chimney operated directly by the solar photovoltaic panels to prevent very high stagnant temperatures;
• Completely dismantlable system, which can be assembled and disassembled effortlessly