CIFT has developed various types of solar dryers with different backup systemssuiting different product and client demands. This solar dryer is provided with flat-plate solar water collector as main source of heat energy and LPG water heater as a backup heatsource for continuous drying operations even under unfavorable weather conditions, i.eduring cloudy/ rainy days and night. In this dryer, water is used as energy storage and heat transfer medium and air is used as intermediate medium for drying. The system is provided with manual sun tracking mechanism for harnessing maximum solar energy during sunshine hours.A provision for dehumidifier is provided if the dryer is operated under high humidity conditions. The capacity of the dryer is 60 kg with total tray area of 22 m². With the help of sensors and PLC system, the total drying process is automated. 

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
• Backup heating systems – LPG – Pollution free,reduces fuel consumption and have a significant impact in energy conservation
• 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