The SunHarvest Dryer is an innovative solution that leverages solar energy to dehydrate and preserve various food items. This technology empowers communities, particularly in refugee settlements, to reduce post-harvest losses and improve food security. By constructing SunHarvest Dryers, we aim to foster sustainable practices, contributing to both economic growth and environmental conservation.
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
- Understand the principles of solar drying and its advantages over traditional methods.
- Construct a SunHarvest Dryer using locally available materials.
- Apply DIY (Do It Yourself) and DIWO (Do It With Others) methodologies to promote sustainable practices within their communities.
- Introduction
- Principles of Operation
- Literature review and advantages of this prototype
- Tools & Materials
- Construction Steps
- Gallery
- Construction Expenditure
- OER slides
The SunHarvest Dryer harnesses the sun's power to preserve food, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional drying methods. This OER provides step-by-step instructions for building and using the dryer, promoting self-reliance and environmental sustainability.
The SunHarvest Dryer operates by:
- Heat Absorption: The black interior surfaces absorb heat from the sun.
- Ventilation: Proper airflow is facilitated by vents to remove moisture.
- Dehydration: The heat and airflow work together to dry food items efficiently.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Length: 193 cm, Width: 96.5 cm, Height: 120-150 cm (sloped) |
| Materials | Timber (1x12, 3x4 inches), DPC black polythene, UV polythene |
| Drying Trays | Wire mesh (183x86.5 cm) |
| Ventilation | Air inlets at the bottom, air outlets at the top |
| Optional Features | Reflective surfaces, thermometer, solar-powered fans |
| Capacity | 10-15 kg of food per session |
| Drying Time | 1-3 days, depending on weather conditions |
| Weight | Approximately 50 kg |
| Lifespan | Long-term use with minimal maintenance |
| Environmental Impact | Uses renewable solar energy, compact design |
This project is a collaboration between the Youth Empowerment Foundation at Pagirinya Refugee Settlement and r0g_agency for open culture and critical transformation gGmbH (Berlin), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 Unported License (CC BY-SA 4.0).