The Potential for Renewable Energy Technologies in the Rural Postharvest Food System in Developing Countries

摘要

This report examines energy demand and potential renewable energy technologies for postharvest food processing with particular emphasis on technologies related to grain. Postharvest activities (harvesting, drying, threshing, winnowing, shelling, hulling, grinding, storage, refrigeration, canning, cooking) and the techniques used in these activities are explored. Possible renewable sources include fuelwood, charcoal, solar cookers, ovens, and crop dryers, photovoltaics, animal draft, pedal power, wind power, hydropower, biogas, and alcohol fuels; some of these, it is noted, also have potential applicability beyond postharvest activities.