Introduction
Vigyan Ashram has designed and developed a Flat Bed Solar Dryer using Polycarbonate Sheet for drying agricultural and marine products such as vegetables, fruits, spices, papad and fish. Drying is one of the oldest and most effective food preservation methods in which moisture is removed to increase shelf life and reduce storage and transportation losses.
The Flat Bed Dryer works on the solar greenhouse effect and natural air convection principle, which improves drying efficiency compared to traditional open sun drying. The use of polycarbonate sheets enhances durability, moisture resistance and heat retention inside the drying chamber
Need for it…
- To develop a simple, economical and replicable solar drying solution using locally available materials.
- To improve the quality and hygiene of traditionally sun-dried products.
- To reduce post-harvest losses of vegetables, fruits and fish.
- To promote home-based and small entrepreneurship opportunities in food processing.
Product Description
The Flat Bed Polycarbonate Solar Dryer consists of a rectangular flat structural frame, transparent polycarbonate sheet cover, side protection panels and natural ventilation provision.
Solar radiation enters through the transparent polycarbonate sheet and gets trapped inside the chamber, increasing the internal temperature and accelerating moisture removal from the product. Elevated mesh trays ensure uniform airflow and hygienic drying conditions.
The dryer can be installed on terraces, open yards or farm spaces and can be fabricated using MS square tube with polycarbonate or UV stabilized sheet covering depending on design version.
Detailed fabrication drawings and BOM are provided in the design documentation.
Key Features
- Works on solar energy – zero operating cost
- Improves drying quality compared to open sun drying
- Protection from dust, insects, birds and contamination
- Better colour and nutrient retention due to uniform drying from the combined greenhouse effect and natural airflow.
- Suitable for cottage-scale and home-based enterprises with multi-purpose drying of vegetables, fruits, fish, papad, spices, etc.
Dryer Used for Drying of the Papad
Capacity & Cost
- Drying Capacity: Approx. 5-10 kg per batch (depending on product)
- Fabrication Cost: Approx. ₹12,000 to ₹20,000 per unit (varies with material selection, polycarbonate thickness, frame type and labour cost)
Since the system uses solar energy, no recurring fuel or electricity cost is required.
Design Details Access & Contact
The detailed design drawings, fabrication steps, bill of materials and performance trial data of the Flat Bed Polycarbonate Solar Dryer can be accessed through the following link:
Design Access Link:Download-FlatBed Dyer Design
For fabrication guidance and implementation support please contact:
Mr. Abhijeet Pisal
📞 Mobile: 7410101907/ 9373947547
📧 Email: vadic.coordinator@gmail.com
