The dryer is provided with flat-plate solar air collector (10 m²) as main source of heat energy and electrical heating element as a backup heatsource for continuous drying operations even under unfavorable weather conditions, i.e.during cloudy/ rainy days and night. The dryer consists of a drying chamber with ten trays. The trays made up of food grade stainless steel (SS 304), are stacked one over the other with spacing of 10 cm. The perforated trays accomplish a through flow drying pattern within the dryer which enhances drying rates. Solar flat plate collector transmits solar energy to the air flowing through the collector which is then directed to the drying chamber. The chance of contamination and spoilage due to sand, dust, flies, insects, birds, animals and rain is completely eliminated as drying takes place inside closed chamber.

Technology Benefits

• Ideal for drying of fish, fruits, vegetables, spices and agro products  
• Hygienically prepared premium quality uniformly dried product
• Economically viable and eco-friendly – maximum use of solar energy
• The drying time is reduced considerably with improved product quality
• Lesser operating expenses
• Improved shelf life and value addition of the product fetches higher income for the fisher folk.
• Labor requirement is considerably reduced compared to open sun drying
• Re-handling process like spreading, sorting and storing are eliminated
• Provision for integrating Sun-tracking and SMS alert systems