Solar, Biomass and Hybrid Dryers - BioEnergy Discussion Lists

Dimensions are in mm1.1.1.1.1Figure 5.4: Dimensional details of the drying chamberThe drying chamber is partitioned into three columns. Nine trays, made of woodenframe and stainless steel wire mesh, are kept inside the drying chamber. These trayshold the product in thin layers, during the drying process. Each column is providedwith separate doors to reduce thermal losses while handling the product inside thedrying chamber during the course of drying.The drying chamber also has three solar absorbers with glazing at the top, just belowthe uppermost tray. The warm air loses its heat as it acquires moisture from theproduct and moves along the drying chamber to the top. It requires further heatingto reduce the chances of condensing and to enhance the draft effect in the chimney,which the additional solar collectors provide.A wooden frame supports the drying chamber at the bottom. All the joints of theassembly are made airtight by fixing rubber gaskets between the joints. Figure 5.4illustrates the design of the drying chamber.ChimneyA chimney (0.5m x 0.075m x 0.44m), made of GI sheet, is attached at the top of thedrying chamber for warm moist air exit. The chimney is provided with a roof toprotect the product inside the drying chamber from rain. Detailed dimensions of thechimney are presented in Figure 5.5.30