Research on the Application of Solar Energy to Industrial Drying or Dehydration Processes. Fourth Phase. Final Report

摘要

The operation and maintenance of this proof-of-concept solar dehydration facility in Fresno, California is reported. Phase I of this project incorporated the analysis and design of an inexpensive solar collector unit, coupled with a commercial heat recovery unit and rock storage facilities. These three components supplied about 85% of the hot air required by a single tunnel of the Lamanuzzi and Pantaleo (L and P) dehydration facility in Fresno, California. A relatively simple air solar collector and heat storage system, was used. This facility was built during Phase II. The system is comprised of 22,000 square feet of single glazed air solar collectors, 700 tons of rock storage, and a heat recovery wheel, and is controlled by a microcomputer control system. The facility was monitored and evaluated over the first drying season of 133 days in Fresno, California. In the last Phase, the glazings on the solar collectors were replaced. That is, one-third of the field was replaced with glass, another one-third of the field with Filon, and one-third of the field with Lexan. Also, a new microcomputer control system was designed, tested, and installed using readily available parts and based upon the Apple II microcomputer system. (ERA citation 07:042973)