[Solar crop drying]
1988
Lutz, K. (Hohenheim Univ., Stuttgart (Germany, F.R.). Inst. fuer Agrartechnik) | Muehlbauer, W.
In order to reduce food losses in the developing countries, a solar tunnel drier has been developed, which can be used in both arid regions and in the humid tropics to dry agricultural products such as vegetables, fruits, coffee and cacao beans, coconuts, spices and medicinal plants, and grains and legumes. The drier has been designed such that it can be manufactured to a large extent using locally available materials, and simple machinery and tools. The modular construction of the drier enables it to be adapted to the needs of the user. It can thus be used both on agricultural smallholdings, and on a cooperative basis. Depending on the nature of the product to be dried, its moisture content and previous exposure to the sun, between one and seven days are required for drying. The drying period required when using the solar tunnel drier is approximately half that required when drying in the sun. As the products are protected against ambient influences, insects, rodents and birds whilst being dried, losses are reduced and at the same time the quality of the products is improved.
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