Development of polyhouse type solar dryer for Kashmir valley.

Polyhouse type solar dryer (PSD) consist of drying chamber, drying trays and exhaust fan was developed for drying fruits and vegetables. The relative humidity (RH) inside the PSD varied in between 21 to 74% as compared to outside RH which ranged from 40 to 75%. The performance was found suitable and resulted in efficient drying at low RH. The thermal performance test for PSD under full and no load testing conditions were calculated. The temperature inside the dryer was 62 to 76% higher than the ambient conditions. PSD was helpful in reducing the drying ranging from 33 to 53%. The capacity of PSD was 100-150 kg per batch. The economic cost of solar dryer was compared with mechanical drying for beneficial to local producer. The cost of PSD Rs 80,000 could recover within the period of 1.5 years by adopting solar drying technology.