Solar Fruit Dehydrator
Passive Solar Fruit Dehydrator.
The goals of this project are to dry fruit in a sustainable manner using appropriate technology. This passive solar dehydrator used recycled materials from a paned window and roofing.
Design
My design is a three layer system. The base has corrugated tin roofing for ventilation, the second layer is the drying screen where the fruit or vegetable is layed, and the top layer is black, double paned glass for attracting and retaining the heat.
- Photos
- Top view of the dehydrator
Inside the dehydrator with fruit and vegetables
Costs
The materials are as follow
- Reclaimed double paned window $5.00
- Reclaimed corrugated tin roofing (ventilation) $2.20
- Reclaimed screws $3.00
- Reclaimed handles $4.00
- ¾" X 1 ¾" Clear Fir Lumber $.70 ea = $5.60
- Chain $2.98
- Hinges (3") $4.99 ea = $9.98
- Screen (framed in fir lumber)
- Chalkboard Paint
The total cost of my project was just under $40.00
Next Steps
I plan to research more methods and ideal settings for this process.
Conclusions
Passive solar is an easy way to utilize the sun's energy and potential.
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