Solar Conduction Dryer

Target SDGs

Market Suggested Retail Price

$5,120.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Household, Community, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

The product is produced in India and distributors are being created in Kenya, also it is distributed through some NGO's and implementation agencies.

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include Kinosol Orenda Food Dehydrator, SunWorks Solar Food Dryer, and GoSol Sol4 Oven.

Regions

East Africa, South Asia

Countries

India, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Vietnam

Manufacturing/Building Method

Made to order, loading capacity is 10-12 kg but can be customized per customer need.

Intellectural Property Type

Patent

User Provision Model

Directly from manufacturer; S4S technologies.

Distributions to Date Status

Around 650 solar conduction dryers are operating in India and Kenya, impacting 3,000 lives. More than 1,200 farmer cooperatives across 8 countries are using it.

Design Specifications

The SCD has four drying chambers constructed from hollow sections of stainless steel. Each chamber has a drying tray which is covered with transparent plastic. The trays are coated with black color special food grade coating, where the products to be dried are placed. A low height air vent to create air current is provided at the middle of the dryer along horizontal direction which also separates the drying chambers in two parts.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

The manufacturer offers technical support as well as training through a partnership with NGO's and implementation agencies.

Replacement Components

Unknown

Lifecycle

Unknown

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

• Can be easily assembled by two people locally.
• Has a capacity of 12 kg/dryer.
• Able to maintain 45% more nutrients.

Vetted Performance Status

Dehydrated products retain 80%-90% of key nutrients. It is said to increase in shelf life of products from 6 -12 months and to reduce 40% in post harvest losses. It meets international standards in terms of microbial count and aflatoxin level. The product is said to save 20 tons of CO2 throughout its lifetime. ^{Interview with representative}

Safety

Risk of burns from handling hot trays.

Complementary Technical Systems

The SCD designer identifies food processing companies which are interested in buying dehydrated products, and makes field trials to create samples for those companies so that a business contract can be made. The designer also works closely with NGO/implementation agencies to train farmers on the dryer's usage, processing and packaging.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

The manufacturer has indicated compliance with international standards regarding microbial count and aflatoxin level. Materials such as stainless steel and black coating paint are special for food grade applications.

Other Information

Manufacturer details and product Brochure

Design specification details of the solar dryer