CABINET SOLAR AIR DRYER TECHNOLOGY In an effort to resolve the problem of wastage & preservation of agri-horticultural produces, SEED designed and developed the much awarded Solar Cabinet Air Dryer (patent no. 211911). The credit to this innovative technology goes to Prof M. Ramakrishna Rao, Founder Secretary, SEED & formerly Prof of instrumentation, IISc., Bangalore. Under his guidance SEED R&D team developed different models of Cabinet Solar Air Dryers with different drying capacities like SDM 8, SDM 25, SDM 50, SDM 100 and SDM 200. SDM 500 for higher drying capacity is in R&D. Solar Dryers has many advantages than the open traditional drying. • Safe & hygienic • Free from insect and bird contamination • Clean & dust free products • More uniform quality products • Uniform in colour, texture, appearance of the product • Evenness in drying Moisture control to optimum levels • Nutrient retention especially beta carotene • Yields high quality, Export products • Products qualify for quality & sensory tests • Long shelf life to the products • Processed to International Standards SOLAR DRYER SALIENT FEATURES • Zero energy cost. • Cabinet temp : 40 - 65C. • Temp. diff. T : 15 - 30 C • Temperature indicator • Moisture & Humidity control. • Stainless Steel Trays • Standby Electrical back up • U.V. Reduction blue filter glass. • Rain & Dust proof Dryer. • Dust, insect & rodent proof
Current Status: SDM 500 for higher drying capacity is in R&D. The Solar Drying technology was standardized for SDM 8, SDM 25, SDM 50, SDM 100 and SDM 200. This technology was disseminated through Training Programs and Workshops. The technological innovations have been popularized by supplying and installation of 73 solar dryers during Core Support project period in 9 states in the country. Exported 5 Dryers to Australia, Mauritius, Malaysia & Saudi Arabia for processing their local produce.