Large Scale Solar Dehydrator

[dirtsailor2003]

So I was looking online for a solar dehydrator when I came upon this and thought that it was pretty cool. The step by step build is located at instructables dot com.

dehydrator.jpg

• dirtsailor2003
• Sep 17, 2013

 

[kathrynn]

Looks cool! You gotta make one!

Kat 

 

[dcarch]

Sunlight gives you a little more than 200 BTUs/sq. ft. of heat.

My suggestion would be if you are going to build something similar:

1. The front of the yellow box should be aluminum foiled to bounce light down to the collector.

2. Add side wings with reflectors to the right and left of the collector.

You will be getting more than twice the heat with very little investment in material. It is important to have high heat to dehydrate, At low heat, you will be making a fermenting box instead. If your food is not dehydrate in one day, what are you going to do with the food?

dcarch

 

[dirtsailor2003]

I agree that the collector needs some improvement. I still like that concept though.

 

[diggingdogfarm]

I've built several solar dryers and the cabinet ones don't always work so well.

The following one is much more efficient and dries faster and better (you can't beat the laws of physics.) It can be made in any reasonable size.

PartlyOpenDryer.jpg

• diggingdogfarm
• Sep 17, 2013

I have the plans if you're interested.

~Martin

 

[dirtsailor2003]

I've built several solar dryers and the cabinet ones don't always work so well.

The following one is much more efficient and dries faster and better (you can't beat the laws of physics.) It can be made in any reasonable size.

PartlyOpenDryer.jpg

• diggingdogfarm
• Sep 17, 2013

I have the plans if you're interested.

~Martin

I would like to look at the plans.

 

[diggingdogfarm]

Sent you a PM.



~Martin

 

[bkleinsmid]

I've built several solar dryers and the cabinet ones don't always work so well.

The following one is much more efficient and dries faster and better (you can't beat the laws of physics.) It can be made in any reasonable size.

PartlyOpenDryer.jpg

• diggingdogfarm
• Sep 17, 2013

I have the plans if you're interested.

~Martin

Hey Martin.....

Would you mind sending those plans to me also? I have been thinking about building one of those for some time.

Thank you,

Brad

 

[diggingdogfarm]

Sure, anyone who wants the plans can just send me a PM with your email addy.


~Martin

 

[dirtsailor2003]

Martin,

That's a great simple design. I think I have enough stuff laying around to throw together a one screen dryer just for fun. When I have time I'll have to read the rest of the book. Thanks again.

 

[dcarch]

For those of you who are interested in building a solar dehydrator, or solar whatever, look into insulated panels such as Twinwall.

Makes a big difference especially in cold weather.

dcarch

 

[dirtsailor2003]

 
For those of you who are interested in building a solar dehydrator, or solar whatever, look into insulated panels such as Twinwall.

Makes a big difference especially in cold weather.

dcarch

Though a bit cost prohibitive unless you just happen to have a job site nearby with some scrap.

Oops I thought you said ThinWall not Twinwall. Just specified ThinWall on a project here. Yes Twin wall is great for greenhouse and solar applications.

 

[adele du toit]

Dear Martin

I am interested in building myself a food dehydrator, and would very much appreciate it if you could provide me with the plans for this type of dehydrator.

 

[diggingdogfarm]

@Adele du Toit,

Send me your email address in a private message.




~Martin