Direct Solar Dryers: An Experience for Its Size and Widespread in Eastern Cuba

Abstract

In this work solar drying experience of abour 17 years in Eastern región of Cuba is analized by description of the more representative prototypes, considering their technical and economical indexes. Dryers include prototypes with glass and poliethylenum covers, with applications to multipurpose drying. The products dryed are of high social and economic value like seeds, medicinal plants, wood and animal food, and besides a non tipical application to human dehydratation:cuban solar sauna. All those equippment are conceived as a result of generalization criteria. Energetical and environmental impact of those prototypes is analized too. Sequential analysis of prototypes and technological changes is made easier by using an engineering numerical method which ins briefly characterized. Recommendations are given for behaviour in
near future in order to get better results in developing dryers.