Sun power cuts drying expense for crop farmer

摘要

THE transparent panels on thesideofEd Yanos' tool-shed aren't just for looks. And the fact that the sidewall slants to the south is no accident either. Yanos, Cambridge City, Ind., planned it that way. His idea? Simple. Capture solar energy and transfer the preheated air to his grain dryer housing nearby, cutting energy needs. Since it takes less energy to heat preheated air, Yanos saves money. The idea worked. "Air coming into the dryer is about 8 degrees F higher than it would be otherwise," Yanossays. "It definitely takes less propane since air comes in warmer in the first place."