CRDS || DS CSR || Hybrid Dryer || Dhatri FPO

Solar combined hybrid Installation of a steam dryer for Areca
Farmers' worst nightmare when it comes to drying areca is the prolonged monsoon season prior to the installation of a solar dryer.


Even though electrical drying devices are on the market, they are too small, expensive, and dependent on an electrical supply. In addition, dependable three-phase electricity is unheard of in rural locations. Additionally, the areca loses its uniqueness throughout the drying and weight-loss processes.

As a result, these farmers attempted to use biomass-based driers, but once more, this was problematic because they needed a fuel source, which might be a problem if there was a significant amount of material to be dried and there was a lack of drying uniformity.
As an alternative, a hybrid drier dries the crops using both biomass and solar energy. This kind of dryer offers temperature and humidity control according to need while also combining the benefit of a free energy source. Different crop varieties can be dried using a single drier by adjusting the humidity and temperature as needed. Heat pipe lines run down the drier's floor and a biomass fire place make up a typical hybrid dryer. In order to regulate the temperature and humidity, an exhaust fan is also included. To let in sunlight, the drier's roof is composed of transparent sheeting. It is possible to add auto air temperature control as an optional feature.
The unquestionable benefit of solar dryers is that they use no fuel; but, because the drying pace is dependent on sunshine, the process is generally slow, and controlling humidity and temperature can be challenging. The drying rate of bio mass driers is good, but they need a fuel supply, which could be problematic if there is a lot of material to be dried.

For this reason, a system of solar power and biomass steam has been installed.

The performance test results also revealed that the dryer's drying air temperature ranged from 40°C to 70°C. The areca nuts that were dried in this dryer were totally shielded from precipitation, animals, and insects. Additionally, the original, high-quality Areca nuts were secured.
Solar dryer installation
The solar drying system was put in place on December 30, 2023.
Four farmers are currently using this dryer as a test project. All FPO members will have access to this based on the findings.
When the best measurement of the highest temperature, which was 70 °C at minimum, was reached, the solar dryer was tested by drying with sunshine up to 40 °C. It was discovered that an average temperature of up to 55 °C could be sustained for a whole day. The test indicates that there is a about 13 °C difference between the internal and external temperatures when the outside temperature is 35 °C and the indoor temperature is 48 °C.
Outcomes
Before this, the open-air drying procedure, which takes eight days, was an uphill task with subpar results. Consequently, the producers received a lower price. With a 2-day reduction in drying time, our solar dryer home retains a higher-quality product as well.
Farmers in remote areas will make more money since the solar drying technology will assist in preserving the original quality of the areca. The Thirthahalli block farmers can benefit from this technology as they work to improve their socioeconomic circumstances.