this post was submitted on 29 Mar 2025
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Offgrid living

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DIY Solar Dehydrator (slrpnk.net)
submitted 10 months ago by wolfyvegan@slrpnk.net to c/offgrid@slrpnk.net
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cross-posted from: https://slrpnk.net/post/20107309

Source: Bon Bagay: Permaculture, Abundance and Autonomy (scroll to bottom)

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[โ€“] Cybermatrix1@slrpnk.net 5 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (1 children)

I have studied the drying of fruits for my work. To get optimal drying the temperature should be 45-60degC with an airflow in it. Of course this design would work but the fruits will take 3 days before the moisture content is around 10%> The design would need a bit more solar surface and a small fan to make the evaporation go faster and exchange the humid air. But it will be a bit more complex though. Small chimney would also work

[โ€“] wolfyvegan@slrpnk.net 4 points 10 months ago

Useful ideas. I concur that it is more complex than the graphic might suggest. Too slow, and the fruits will spoil or get mould growing on them before they can dry. Too hot, and the fruits are cooked. Dehydration is (for the most part) only practical for thin slices of lower-moisture fruits. Whenever possible, fresh food is best.