This technique changed very little from its early prehistoric uses.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar crop driers.
Solar dryers are more economical compared to dryers that run on conventional fuel electricity.
What factors determine the type and size of solar collectors for crop drying.
Advantages of solar dryers.
It has also advantages that crop are protected from dust rain insects animals etc.
Drying is faster because inside the dryer it is warmer than outside.
Solar greenhouse dryers are available in different size and design and are used for drying various crops and.
It is labour saving.
The drying process is completed in the most hygienic and eco friendly way.
The sun s free energy for drying in open air is counterbalanced by a multitude of disadvantages which reduce not only the quantity but also the quality of the final product belessiotis and delyannis 2009 1.
Productivity increase in terms of labour energy cost saving.
Less risk of spoilage because of the speed of drying.
Advantages of solar dryer domes.
Solar driers have the following advantages.
Advantages and disadvantages types of solar food dryers classification direct sun advantages least expensive disadvantages uv radiation can damage food simple indirect sun products protected from uv more complex and expensive than direct sun less damage from temperature mixed mode less damage from temperature extremes uv radiation can damage food hybrid ability to operate without sun reduces chances of food loss allows better control of drying fuel mode may be up to 40x.
The basic disadvantage of this indirect solar drying technique is the high initial capital cost for the dryer solar collectors auxiliary energy supply system and the necessary supplementary equipment such as ducts pipes pumps blowers control and measurement instruments.
Suggest remedies for the disadvantages.
Solar dryers last longer.
The product is protected against flies pests rain and dust.
Different value creation possible since dried products have higher margins.
More skilled personnel are also required to operate the system.
The disadvantage of these methods is that the crops and grain are subject to damage by birds rodents wind and rain and contamination by windblown dust and dirt.
If the drying process is slow the fruit start to ferment and the product is spoilt.
High hygienic standards no dust no pollution no fungus no animals no foreign materials etc.
Solar drying systems have low operation and maintenance costs.
Less spoilage or less wastage of dried products.
Advantages and disadvantages of direct solar drying.
More sophisticated solar dryers protect grain and fruit reduce losses dry faster and more uniformly and produce a better quality product than open air methods.
