An overview of a polyhouse dryer

Escalating demand for a cost efficient energy source has opened up opportunities for the utilization of solar energy. The abundance of solar energy is making a noticeable impact in the lives of rural people. This energy is being tapped for the drying of agricultural products. Numerous designs of solar dryers have been developed for safe and efficient drying. Polyhouse dryer (PHD) is one of them, which has been gaining importance in recent times for its cost efficiency and improved product quality. This paper reviews the significance of polyhouse dryer, in terms of its design and efficiency. The different existing models, materials of construction and products dried in polyhouse dryers have also been discussed. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.