EN 04 - Smart solar Dryer with UV-C Sanitization for drying grapes

Population groups that include farmers and small businesses and rural communities encounter substantial challenges when trying to preserve food products without compromising product hygiene and quality. Direct sunlight drying practices result in contamination from environmental hazards such as dirt particles and pests, together with harmful microbes that make food unsafe to use. Remote areas with limited access to electricity, along with changing weather conditions, prevent food drying from being efficient or reliable.

The project scope is to design and construct a solar-powered smart solar dryer with a UV-C sanitization system for drying grapes with sanitary operation. The solar photovoltaic (PV) panel powers both the dryer mechanism and the built-in UV-C sanitization system that operates through renewable energy.

The drying chamber, built with transparent plexiglass and T-slotted aluminum extrusion framing rails, contains grapes for maximum solar heat absorption. Drying conditions are maintained at optimal levels through the combination of temperature and humidity sensors, which work with a control system. In addition, the drying chamber contains an installed UV-C light that kills bacteria and viruses and removes microorganisms from food surfaces while drying takes place.

The solar dryer energy system consists of a solar PV panel, solar thermal air collector, charge controller, and battery energy storage. The solar PV panel produces power to charge the battery, from which the power is used to supply power to the heating pads, exhaust fans, Arduino controller, UV-C lamps, temperature and humidity sensors, and monitoring system.

The fan draws air from the surrounding area and discharges it into the solar thermal air collector, which absorbs solar energy and converts it into heat. Then heat is transferred to air that is heated up. The hot air passes through the storage material, and then it is used to drive the drying process of grapes. The temperature and humidity sensors are used to control the air temperature and humidity inside the solar dryer. The Arduino controller controls the drying process of grapes by controlling the fans, heating pad, UV-C lights, and temperature and humidity sensors.

The main advantage of the drying solutions for fruits developed in this project is that they employ both solar energy and UV-C sanitization to deliver safe and efficient renewable drying and hygienic operation. This solution allows to enhance food quality combined with less waste along with encouraging sustainable food conservation methods.