/diy/ - Do It Yourself

Use a few cooling fans, like the ones u grt in computers to continuasly maintain air flow. Also incorporate some sort of descicant like salt, rise or silica gel

I have done my fair amount of research on google, n of course youtube. Where would i incorporate said salt or silica gel?

My mother used to dry stuff on flywire screens in the sun inside the window.

>>171949
Airflow is essential, but unlike what >>171955
states about it, you do not need any sort of fan inside for a solar dehydrator. Natural convection will draw in cooler dryer air constantly, unless your design is so faulty as to not have proper convection. Thus make your dehydrator to have good ventilation. It is very easy to make a solar dehydrator that is far too hot, if the ventilation is not enough. Make your dehydrator so that you can readily adjust the airflow. Simple sliding doors in the top and bottom will work.

You also do not need any sort of desiccant. Proper air flow and sunshine will be more than sufficient.

All you need to make a solar dehydrator is cardboard and metal screens. Though you can make a more permanent one if you wish. Don't be tempted to use reflector panels. You'll end up cooking your food or whatever you are drying. Blacken the inside where the sun will strike so the ambient air temps rise very fast. Do not put foil inside because it will only reflect the light onto the items you are drying and cook them without giving you good air temps. don't make the unit too tall. If it is too tall then the items at the top will end up cooking, the items at the middle drying properly, and the items at the bottom not getting warm enough. If you need to, make more than one dehydrator.

Use an oven thermometer. As a rule of thumb, heat the interior by closing the vents until the ambient temperature reaches 160F top 165F then immediately open the air vents until the temps drop to 130F to 140F range and maintain that temp range from then on. For things like jerky you'll need to use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the 160-165F range internally prior to reducing the heat. For other special foods, consult several sources on google.

I did see a video of just using two screens, but that would only work on really bright hot summer days, i plan on building about a 6ft long incubating chamber to warm the air, screens to keep bugs from getting and then some holding dock with selves and a glass door, and chimney

>>171970
Thank you.. would you suggest a smaller boxed unit like the OP pic or do you think i should go for the two part model here

I found this before posting this thread, and its what I' am going for, something easy to replicate. Still thou any advice from someone that has some experience, or came across any issues is most appreciated

lulz forgot link
http://www.i4at .org/surv/soldehyd.htm

>>171973
>>171978
>>171979
The only in the link is a good solid design that many people use. You can cover sections of the thermal solar collector area in order to lower the overall temperature if you need to without letting in more air.

>>171981
>The one in the link i

lol fixed