Pusa Solar Powered Dryer

Introduction

A blower is used to suck hot air from the flat plate collector to transfer it to the drying chamber of batch type forced convection dryer. To harness the solar power, a system has also been developed to run blower using solar energy. The DC power of the solar energy is converted into AC power through inverter. A battery is used to provide the backup in the absence of solar power.

 

Technical Details

•  Overall dimensions (l x w x h) : 2740 x 1400 x 1050 mm

•  Capacity of dryer : 300-400 kg

•  No. of trays : 20

•  Solar panel : 100 W x 4

•  Blower : 375 W

•  Inverter : 24V, 1250 VA

•  Battery : 24V, 190 Ah

•  Estimated cost (without solar) : `1,15,000/ (with solar) : `1,84,000/

 

Advantages :

•  It is suitable for drying of fruits and vegetables.

•  By operating blower with solar energy, no conventional power is required thus saving cost of electrical power.

•  It may be used in areas where there is no grid electricity.

•  The above solar power pack may also be used for operation of refrigerator (90W), three tube lights (84W) and a Fan (50W) also.

 

For further information please contact :

Indian Agricultural Research Institute,
New Delhi