Challenges
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Three key barriers to increased use of solar crop drying are the lack of awareness of the cost-effectiveness of solar drying systems, the lack of good technical information and the lack of good local practical experience.
While the solar air heating systems are a mature technology, applications of the technology for solar crop drying are still in the phase of research and development. While the effectiveness of solar crop drying has been demonstrated, widespread commercial application requires greater awareness, training and distribution.
Results reported by participants of the IEA task on solar crop drying highlighted potential areas for improvement and increased efficiencies. Improved furnace design and construction, careful installation of duct work to reduce leaks, the use of automated controls for air control equipment such as baffles and further operator training were identified areas for improvement. Other areas of research and demonstration could include hybrid systems with solar hot water, crop drying in cooler climates, smaller scale applications.
Modified: 02-13-2008
