Potential of using the Solar Chimney Dryer for Small Scale Industries in Sri Lanka

Abstract

There have been many research work presenting various novel types of solar dryers that can be used for drying vegetables, fruits, and other agro-products etc. Solar chimney which consists of a large plate and a centered vertical chimney basically studied for electricity power generation using the draught through the chimney. In this study, it has been demonstrated by establishing a mini photo type chimney that the possibility of enhancing the drying process under the plate of a solar chimney. There is a great potential of using Solar Chimney dryer, drying for industrial, fishery and agro products or raw materials. The advantage is that drying can be done, with the similar efficiency of sun drying, under the rainy environment obviously with a law drying efficiency but without destroying quality and protecting them from environmental pollutants.