Types of Solar Dryers
- Traditional open air dryer:
Produce placed in the open and exposed to both sun, wind and other undesired elements.
- Direct solar dryers (cabinet dryers):
Enclosed, insulated structures inside which both solar collection and drying takes place. Radiation is collected through a transparent cover (glass or plastic) in the drying chamber, which is ventilated for improved airflow. Trays carrying produce to be dried are placed inside the chamber.
a direct solar 'cabinet' dryer
- Indirect solar dryers (thermosyphon dryers)
: these have a collector and a separate drying chamber. They operate more efficiently and allow more control over the drying. The collector heats up air, which then rises by convection, forcing its way through the racks of drying produce in the drying chamber. Such dryers may be with or without flow enhancement. Such dryers are best suited for high value commercial scale drying.
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