We produced a proof of concept for a solar dehydrator that can be adapted to a range of available materials and weather. 

Results:

We ran a variety of different test on the heat source.  We anticipated an interior temperature of 120°F/48.9°C but our prototype behaved much better than expected.

1. Temperature of air inside heat trap cans, black side facing Sun: 170.96°F/77.2°C

   1. Outside Temp: 27.0°C

   2. Time of Day: 12:30pm

   3. Date: Wednesday, 6/5/24

2.  Temperature of air inside heat trap with cans, black side facing Sun: 151.88°F/66.6°C 

   1. Outside Temp: 27.2°C

   2. Time of Day: 12:30pm

   3. Date: Thursday, 6/6/24

3. Temperature of air inside heat trap with cans, aluminum side facing Sun: 159.98°F/71.1°C

   1. The black side of the cans facing away from the Sun and the non-painted side facing the sun.

   2. Outside Temp: 28.8°C

   3. Time of Day: 2:00pm

   4. Date: Thursday, 6/6/24

4. Temperature of air inside heat trap cans, aluminum side facing Sun: 155.48°F/68.6°C

   1. Outside Temp: 29.3°C

   2. Time of Day: 2:30pm

   3. Date: Thursday, 6/6/24

5. Temperature of air inside heat trap without cans: 47.0°C/116.6°F

   1. Outside Temp: 26.5°C

   2. Time of Day: 2:00pm

   3. Date: Thursday, 6/6/24

6. Temperature of air inside black aluminum can outside of heat trap: 96.98°F/36.1°C

   1. Outside Temp: 29.3°C

   2. Time of Day: 2:30pm

   3. Date: Thursday, 6/6/24

• • Temp: bin vs heat trap