DESIGN AND TESTING OF A SOLAR DRYER HERBAL WITH COVER POLYETHYLENE. A CUBAN EXPERIENCE

Abstract

In this paper we present the design, construction, and testing the feasibility of a solar dryer polyethylene cover introduced a Basic Economic MINAGRI. The economic advantages of this dryer are given by its low cost (about 8-15 USD/m2) and small payback periods, and by using local materials such as wood logs, and polyethylene "Durasol" making it a extensible solution for our agriculture. Presents the results of drying tests long-cycle plants (ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, oregano, mangrove bark, etcétera). In general, substantial savings are drying time, the order of 50 % for similar loads of product over the conventional method of drying in warehouses in the shade. This coupled with the observed increase in product quality make it an option for drying herbs in the fields of Cuba. Additionally, some of its consequences and impacts are analyzed.