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Trainees placed at Mat Water Ltd, Uganda develop a solar dryer and renewable energy solutions at Mat Water Uganda.

Overview

The EcoDry Smart Hybrid Solar Dryer is a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient, and user-friendly solar dryer that combines the benefits of traditional dryers with the advantages of solar energy. The dryer features a hybrid design that allows users to choose between manual and automatic modes, depending on their preferences and needs. The dryer is also equipped with a solar panel that converts sunlight into electricity, which is used to heat the water.

Problem It Addresses

Traditional crop-drying methods in rural and peri-urban communities are slow, weather-dependent, and expose food to contamination, nutrient loss, and inconsistent moisture levels. Existing systems lack intelligent control to prevent over-drying or under-drying across different crop types.

Project Aim

To design and develop an affordable, intelligent hybrid solar dryer that delivers consistent, energy-efficient drying performance through automated environmental monitoring and control.

Key Features

• Hybrid energy system (solar thermal with electric backup)
• Temperature and humidity sensors for real-time monitoring
• Automated control of heat and airflow
• Faster drying with improved product quality
• Reduced post-harvest losses
• RFID-based access control to secure electronics and prevent unauthorized use

Current Status

• Research & Design: Completed
• Fabrication & Assembly: Completed
• Control Algorithm & Firmware: Completed
• Electronics Integration: In progress
• Testing & Optimization: Upcoming

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