Building a sustainable future: The journey of a funded solar dryer system from prototype to impact

In 2014, Ruchik Thaker, a final-year engineering student at Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU) (now known as Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU)), embarked on a quest to address two major issues facing India: food waste and energy dependency. These challenges are closely related to sustainability issues, and Ruchik and his team, under the guidance of Associate Professor Dr. Jatin Patel, developed the Solar Forced Convection Dryer System, a fresh approach to food preservation and energy conservation. Supported by a research grant from PDPU’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP), this project, which began as a prototype, demonstrated how innovation and renewable energy could address real-world problems and make an enduring impact.

India, being one of the world’s largest producers of fruits and vegetables, faces an alarming 22% annual loss in its produce, much of which is attributed to inefficient preservation methods. Traditional food drying methods, such as open sun drying, not only lead to inconsistent drying rates but also expose the food to contaminants, leading to compromised quality and loss of nutrients. Additionally, these conventional techniques rely heavily on conventional energy sources, contributing to environmental degradation and energy insecurity. The Solar Forced Convection Dryer System, which Ruchik developed, aimed to break this cycle by harnessing solar energy for food preservation. The goal was not just to preserve food but to do so in an efficient, hygienic, and sustainable manner.

Funded by a research grant of INR 100,000, the Solar Forced Convection Dryer System was designed to utilize solar parabolic collectors to generate the heat necessary for drying fruits and vegetables. This approach differed significantly from traditional drying methods by employing forced convection, which allowed for a continuous flow of hot air within the drying chamber. This maintained stable drying conditions, minimized contamination risks, and ensured more efficient drying. The system also incorporated indirect active solar drying, which prevented foreign particles from entering the dryer box, ensuring hygienic drying conditions. By carefully balancing air velocity, temperature, and drying time, the system was able to prevent over-drying or burning of the produce, a common issue with traditional drying methods.

Moreover, Ruchik’s solar dryer incorporated a pre-treatment process that enhanced the moisture diffusivity of the produce, reducing drying times and better preserving the nutritional value of the food. The results of experimental trials were promising, showing that the system not only dried food more efficiently but also retained more nutrients compared to open sun-dried food. For example, tomatoes dried using this solar dryer retained higher nutritional content, demonstrating the system’s potential to revolutionize food preservation in India and beyond.

The impact of  Ruchik’s  solar dryer system extended beyond food preservation. The shift from conventional energy sources to solar power made the system a significant step towards supporting India’s renewable energy goals. It also reduced the environmental footprint associated with food processing. By addressing both food waste and energy dependency, the system provided a dual benefit: it helped reduce waste and supported sustainability in food processing. These outcomes demonstrated the profound potential of solar drying technology to improve public health outcomes, especially by ensuring that dried produce retains higher nutritional content.

While the solar dryer prototype showed considerable promise, Ruchik recognized that this was just the beginning of a larger journey. The system required continued research and development to refine the design, improve its efficiency, and explore scalability options. Scaling up the technology would make it accessible to both rural and urban communities, where food preservation and energy access remain major concerns. Ruchik’s work stands as an example of the powerful impact of innovation and collaboration, showcasing how the convergence of renewable energy and sustainable food preservation could offer long-lasting solutions to pressing global challenges.

The significance of ongoing research and development in the fields of food preservation and renewable energy is highlighted by Ruchik Thaker's journey. His Solar Forced Convection Dryer System not only addresses India’s food wastage problem but also contributes to the global movement toward energy sustainability. It is a perfect example of how research grants, like those provided by PDPU’s ORSP, can act as catalysts for impactful solutions. As we look to the future, projects like Ruchik’s reinforce the notion that sustainability is a journey, not a destination. With each step, technology and nature move closer to working together in harmony, securing a sustainable future for generations to come.

This incredible journey of Ruchik's solar dryer is evidence of the significant influence that creative solutions can have on local communities and worldwide sustainability initiatives. It is a story of vision, dedication, and collaboration, demonstrating that the future of sustainable technology is bright.