Drying By Solar Radiation in Puerto Rico

Solar energy was trapped in a dryer which had a shell framed of 2- by 4 lumber sheathed inside and outside with transparent plastic. Radiant energy was converted to heat by a black surface inside the dryer. Air flow was forced by fans and directed by baffles from the heated surface through stickered lumber piles to return to the fans. Vents on the high pressure side of the lumber allowed escape of air and moisture. One test showed that the solar dryer removed twice as much moisture in half the time as air drying. Tests show drying to less than half air-dry moisture content was possible. Drying time varied, of course, with meteorological conditions.

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