Abstract
Throughout Latin America the drying of coffee beans contributes significantly to the destruction of the remaining rain forests. Convential coffee dryers consume large amounts of wood and electricity to dry the beans aftter the washing process. Solar coffee drying systems have been designed, manufactured, and installed that operate as stand-alone, off-grid systems for use by small coffee farmersin remote areas. The drying system enhances the quality of the coffee and can significantly increase the value to small growers. The solar systems use hot water thermal collectors to provide the heat for drying and photovoltaic panels to produce the electricity to power fans and pumps. Nine hundred pounds (410 kg) of beans can be dried in 36 hours typically. Four units have been installed inCentral America, providing economic, environmental, and social benefits.
| Original language | American English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 427-430 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| State | Published - 1998 |
| Event | 1998 American Solar Energy Society Annual Conference - Albuquerque, New Mexico Duration: 14 Jun 1998 → 17 Jun 1998 |
Conference
| Conference | 1998 American Solar Energy Society Annual Conference |
|---|---|
| City | Albuquerque, New Mexico |
| Period | 14/06/98 → 17/06/98 |
Bibliographical note
Work performed by Mesoamerican Development Institute, Lowell, Massachusetts, and University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MassachusettsNREL Publication Number
- NREL/CP-550-25589
