Training on Strengthening the Capacity of

Tumba College of Technology, Rwanda

Lecture 6: Solar Thermal Technology

Solar Drying Technology

Tri Ratna Bajracharya, Ph.D.

Center for Energy Studies (CES)
Institute of Engineering/TU
Pulchowk, Lalitpur
Solar Dryers Developed by RECAST

1. Solar Box Dryer

2. Solar Cabinet Dryer
3. Solar Tunnel Dryer
4. Hybrid Solar Biomass Solar Cabinet
Dryer
Cabinet Dryer

Solar Tunnel Dryer Solar Box Dryer

 1. Solar Box Dryer

 Simple dryer,
consisting of a
rectangular box,
insulated at its base
and covered with a
transparent glass
sheet.
 Holes are drilled
through the lower
front side to permit
Air outlet chimney is located at the top
fresh ventilating air
entry into the box.
1. Solar Box Dryer
Specifications
S.N Parameters Improved Design

1 Mode of drying Direct

2 No. of glazing Single
3 Incoming air Not preheated
4 Loading provision Pulling the drawer from backside
5 Air outlet provision Chimney at the top
6 Air circulation Natural
7 Glazing slope 20 degree
8 Collector area 1m2
9 Drying capacity 4 kg-fresh
10 Construction Wood, aluminum sheets, glass
materials sheet, G. I. sheet and glass wool
11 Approximate cost NRs. 8000
2. Solar Cabinet Dryer
Consists of two separate parts:

(a) a collector: to heat the air

from ambient temperature to a
desired temperature with the
help of solar radiation, and

(b) a drying chamber with a

stand and a chimney

The commodities to be dried

are spread on a number of
trays at different layers.
2. Solar Cabinet Dryer
Specifications
S.N Parameters Improved Design

1 No. of glazing Single

2 Incoming air Preheated
3 Loading provision Opening of complete doors at backside
4 No. of trays 9
5 No. of doors 3
6 Air circulation Natural
7 Height of stand 1m
8 Collector area 3.2m2
9 Drying capacity 10 kg-fresh
10 Construction Wood, steel section, aluminum sheets,
materials glass sheet, G.I. sheet and glass wool
11 Approx. cost NRs. 45000
 3. Solar Tunnel Dryer

 Consists of a series of collectors and drying trays arranged

in a particular order.

 Air, sucked into the system by an electric blower placed at

the air exit of the dryer, is heated in the collector and flows
over the products spread in thin layers on the trays.
3. Solar Tunnel Dryer
Specifications
S.N Parameters Improved Design

1 Mode of drying Direct

2 No. of glazing Single
3 No. of trays 32
4 Air circulation Forced, 373W, A. C.
5 Air outlet provision Without chimney and
venturi unit
6 Collector area 24m2
7 Drying capacity 70 kg-fresh
8 Construction Wood, steel section, G.I.
materials sheet, aluminum sheets,
glass sheet and glass wool
9 Approx. cost NRs. 200000
Thank You!