Abstract: A solar drying tunnel having a low-profile and which is transportable includes a bottom portion, a frame, a cover, and externally controlled rolling mechanism for turning grain over. The tunnel may also include a fan at one end and a chimney at another end to provide enhanced air flow.

Abstract: A system for drying or heating product using solar energy including an enclosure defining a kiln chamber in which a charge of the product is placed, the enclosure having at each side of the chamber at least one passage through which air from the kiln chamber can pass to be heated by solar energy impinging on the enclosure, and an air flow system having at least one fan for generating a circulating air flow within the kiln chamber whereby air passes from one side of the charge to the other, and an air supply for drawing air into each passage from the bottom part of the kiln chamber at opposite sides of the charge to move through the passage into an upper portion thereof for discharge into an upper part of the kiln chamber through one or more outlets leading into the upper part of the kiln chamber.

Abstract: An arrangement for drying wood including a framed structure for creating an area, an optional support structure for supporting wood placed thereon, a cover, wherein the cover is supported by the framed structure and wherein the cover has water resistant properties and allows infrared radiation to pass through the cover to warm the wood, wherein the cover is constructed to facilitate the escaping of some moisture from the arrangement through one or more vents in the cover and collect other moisture on an inner surface of the cover and permit at least some of the other moisture to run down along the inner surface of the cover towards the ground; wherein a system is created at least in part by the cover to accelerate the drying of the wood. A method of drying the wood is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved solar dryer with improved. The dryer consists of a solar absorber/collector (9) and a drying chamber (6). One end of the collector is connected to a forced draft fan (10) and the other end connects the drying chamber. The drying chamber has a drawer in which the material to be dried is kept on a wire mesh. The dryer further has the provision for placing color indicative silica gel under the wire mesh when operated in recirculation mode. The other end of the drying chamber has an induced draft fan (11). Both the dc fans operate using a 10 watt photovoltaic panel (3). V-trough reflectors (4,5,7,8) made from anodized aluminum are fixed on the collector and optionally on the drying chamber. A tracking circuit is incorporated to auto-track the dryer. A locking mechanism (14) is also incorporated to help the unit withstand high wind load.

Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus, system, and method for the drying of particulate agricultural matter, especially particulate crops, such grains. The present invention provides a crop particulate (i.e., grain) drying system utilizing solar energy to heat a heat transfer fluid or solution within concomitant forced-air and radiant heat systems which pass heated air through a crop particulate material contained within a conventional crop silo or bin. Electricity demand may be met through utilization of solar photovoltaic panels backed up by connection to an external power source (i.e. power utility).

Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus, system, and method for the drying of particulate agricultural matter, especially particulate crops, such grains. The present invention provides a crop particulate (i.e., grain) drying system utilizing solar energy to heat a heat transfer fluid or solution within concomitant forced-air and radiant heat systems which pass heated air through a crop particulate material contained within a conventional crop silo or bin. Electricity demand may be met through utilization of solar photovoltaic panels backed up by connection to an external power source (i.e. power utility).

Abstract: A device is provided for the air-based solar thermal generation of process heat in order to assist in drying processes. The device may add the solar-thermally generated hot air as a function of the relative temperature of the solar-thermally generated hot air as a partial flow of the process air generated by other systems.

Abstract: An air heating system is for use with a mechanism for flowing air. The system includes a plenum and a solar absorber. The solar absorber defines a first boundary of the plenum. The solar absorber is permeable to air. The mechanism for flowing air is for pulling air into the plenum through the permeable solar absorber. The plenum has an axial direction, wherein along a cross section of said plenum normal to the axial direction the permeable absorber has an average shape that is substantially convex when the permeable absorber is viewed from outside of the plenum.

Abstract: A laundry treating machine is disclosed. The laundry treating machine includes a case having a laundry receiving space for receiving laundry defined therein, the case being located above another laundry treating machine, a hot air supply unit for supplying hot air into the laundry receiving space, a manipulation part for allowing a user to select a drive course, a control unit for controlling the hot air supply unit to be driven according to the course selected by the manipulation part, and a guide unit for assisting the user to put the laundry in the laundry receiving space.

Abstract: In application of a green-house effect, under such a concept as to collect solar energy passively into the house and to exhaust moist air passively from the house, an all weather passive-type solar Ogako drying house which is available for all day through a year was made up improving an agricultural vinyl-house in which Ogako is dried continuously during carriage on the belt conveyors due to solar energy and auxiliary heat, and then moist air yielded when drying Ogako is exhausted through an insulated cylinder. In this case, Ogako means sawdust or tipped small particles of wood which is raw material in order to produce a woody pellet fuel.

Abstract: A fully passive-type solar lumber drying house classified into two models, one is an east-west model configured as a half Quonset hut that lumber's axis loaded is parallel to the east-west direction, and another is a north-south model configured as a Quonset hut that lumber's axis loaded is parallel to the north-south direction and the house is fully surrounded by a triple transparent film and a carbon fiber sheet and is available to be used through all year in which stacked lumber can be dried due to solar energy being assisted by auxiliary heat for one or two weeks under leaving the dry process controlled automatically, and besides moist air inside the house is exhausted through an insulated cylinder.

Abstract: A laundry treating machine is disclosed. The laundry treating machine includes a case having a laundry receiving space for receiving laundry defined therein, the case being located above another laundry treating machine, a hot air supply unit for supplying hot air into the laundry receiving space, a manipulation part for allowing a user to select a drive course, a control unit for controlling the hot air supply unit to be driven according to the course selected by the manipulation part, and a guide unit for assisting the user to put the laundry in the laundry receiving space.

Abstract: A drying method for use of latent heat includes the following steps: A. installing a heating plate and a latent heat device having wax in a dry environmental space; B. placing an article to be dried in the dry environmental space; C. absorbing outside heat energy with the heating plate for drying process; D. utilizing the latent heat device to accumulate heat energy; and E. releasing the heat energy from the latent heat device for drying process. A drying apparatus for use of latent heat includes a box, a heating plate provided on the box, and a latent heat device provided in the box. The box has an entrance and a vent. The entrance is provided with a door to seal the entrance. The latent heat device comprises wax therein to do heat exchange through for drying purpose.

Abstract: This invention decreases the energy consumption of electric or gas combustion clothes dryer appliances by providing solar energy input to the dryer from a roof or exterior wall mounted solar air heater. Required modifications to conventional dryers consist of eliminating the input of laundry room air and providing a new solar heated air supply. As applied to electrically heated clothes dryers, the invention has a potential to reduce the peak electrical utility loads during the summer months since the optimum time to operate the dryer system coincides with the peak load time of the local utility.

Abstract: In application of the green-house effect, under such a concept as to collect passively solar energy into the house and to exhaust passively moist air from the house H, this invention is related to a fully passive-type solar lumber drying house H which is fully surrounded by a triple transparent film 1 and a carbon fiber sheet 1? and is available to be used through all year in which the stacked lumber 15 can be dried due to solar energy being assisted by auxiliary heat for one or two weeks under leaving the dry process controlled automatically, and besides moist air inside the house H is exhausted through an insulated cylinder 10. The fully passive-type solar lumber drying house H in this invention is classified into two models, one of which is an east-west model (A) like a half Quonset hut that lumber's axis loaded is parallel to the east-west direction, and another is a north-south model (B) like a Quonset hut that lumber's axis loaded is parallel to the north-south direction.

Abstract: The system dries pasty or powdery products such as sludge from wastewater purifying stations, the drying occurring in a chamber receiving the products to be dried. The system includes a greenhouse with translucent or transparent walls erected on a slab upon which a bed of products to be dried is deposited. At least one wind generator is provided for generating energy which is converted to heat that is delivered to the slab upon which the bed of products to be dried is spread.

Abstract: A device for drying sludge originating in a waste water treatment plant is enclosed in a greenhouse having a floor for receiving a bed of sludge to be dried. The greenhouse employs solar energy. A spreader located in the greenhouse ensures the the sludge is spread over the floor and turned as it progresses along the drying device. Fans are positioned over the spreader to provide for the renewal of air present in said greenhouse. A controller controls start up and shut down of a drying cycle as well as automatic control of all motorized components in response to measurement of the temperature of the surface of the bed of sludge. The controller also takes into account the difference in temperature between the surface of the bed of sludge to be dried and the atmosphere present in the drying plant, equipment in the greenhouse only being started up when this temperature difference reaches a predetermined set point.

Abstract: There is provided a container for absorbing water vapour from ambient air, the container having an opening to permit water vapour to enter the container, a perforate shelf positioned above the base of the container and having a water-absorbing agent disposed thereon for absorbing water vapour, and an airway which allows air to flow into the region of the container beneath the shelf, wherein the container comprises an indicator for providing information on the operation of the container, the indicator operating when the liquid in the container has reached a predetermined level.

Abstract: A closed-type drying system a drying chamber with glass windows to allow light entering, an condensation and heating system connected between two distal ends of the drying chamber and controlled by an automatic control system, the condensation and heating system including an air blower for blowing air through the drying chamber, a heater for heating air passing through the drying chamber, two evaporators for condensing moisture from output air of the drying chamber, a heat energy reclamation chamber connected between the air blower and the evaporator, a condenser mounted inside the heat energy reclamation chamber for preheating air passing through the heat energy reclamation chamber, a first compressor mounted in the heat energy reclamation chamber for heat exchange with the flow of air passing through reclamation chamber, and a second compressor adapted to provide low temperature conditions (if needed) in the drying chamber.

Abstract: A dryer is constructed and arranged to dry vegetable product, such as coffee beans. The dryer includes a thermal collector that is constructed and arranged to convert solar energy to heat energy, a heat transfer system, and a housing that defines a drying chamber. The thermal collector is positioned toward a light source and is thermally connected to the heat transfer system. The heat transfer system is also in thermal communication with the drying chamber. Therefore heat is able to move from the thermal collector to the drying chamber. Convective forces, or flow, can be used to move air inside the drying chamber, but photovoltaic energy could also be used to enhance this effect.

Abstract: A drum made from a wire mesh is axially rotatable whereby wet clothes in the drum tumble when the drum is rotated. A motor is mounted on a platform beneath the drum. The motor has fan blades mounted on its shaft that provide a flow of air to the drum when the shaft rotates. A friction coupling of the drum to the motor is used to rotate the drum. When the shaft does not rotate, power is provided to the motor through two capacitors that are in parallel. When the motor starts, a sail switch causes a break in an ohmic connection between one of the capacitors and the motor.

Abstract: A turning device (8) for sludge and deposits (3) is proposed which moves along differing paths spread out on a floor (6), through the sludge or deposit (3). The turning device (8) can be used in a solar drier for sewage sludge or other deposits.

Abstract: This invention is a new, energy efficient, environmentally clean grain drying system which consists of two main parts: a hot drying air generator and a modular, portable drying bin. One novel aspect of the air generator is the introduction of a heat pipe design which enhances the efficiency of a dehumidifier heat pump, making its use economically feasible, especially for humid climates. Another novel aspect is the use of advanced burners incorporating antipollution devices. The hot air generator can operate on many sources of energy such as electricity; gasoline; diesel; biomass such as wood, charcoal, or rice husks; or even solar energy. The modular bin is made of several modules which can be disassembled, transported, and reassembled with great ease. The bin design also creates a very low air pressure drop, allowing substantial savings on blower energy. The complete system will offer great benefits for developing countries that are producers of rice, especially for those with humid climates.

Abstract: The invention is a convective airflow dryer system for coffee beans and other such crops, that includes a removable materials container. The removable, stackable container has at least one interior airway structure extending from, preferably, the bottom or sidewall surface to about the top of the container. The airflow structure is configured to freely admit, flow and transfer air, including moisture ladened air, through a port or vent in the bottom or sidewall, over its length and breadth into and out of the coffee beans or other crops or materials being dried, and out the top of the container. The dryer system and the containers are configured for directing the full airflow of the dryer system through the container or set of interconnected containers when in place, and to easily remove the containers from the dryer for emptying, refilling and reuse.

Abstract: A solar powered air drying system which maintains a dry atmosphere inside a sealed volume. The system uses electricity produced by a solar panel to regenerate daily a desiccant. The desiccant drys the air in a sealed volume which includes the waveguide run and antenna for a Radio Frequency target. The system comprises a solar powered air dryer which operates in conjunction with the natural diurnal temperature cycle. During morning hours, the air volume in the sealed volume is heated by naturally increasing daytime temperatures and the sun and expands, forcing air out of the sealed volume into the solar powered air dryer. The forced air then travels through a desiccant column which includes the desiccant prior to being vented into the environment. Simultaneously, the solar panel provides electrical current to an electric heater which heats the desiccant driving off its stored water. The forced air from the sealed volume then carries the desiccant's moisture with it into the environment.

Abstract: A device utilizing solar energy, including four supporting-moving mechanisms moving and adjusting collectors in more than one direction connected to a frame, the supporting-moving mechanism is also connected to a fix base surface, an absorbing plate black colored and with pyramidal or wedge shape is placed on an insulating plate laying on the base plate of the plane collectors placed on the frame, translucent covering plate covers all the surface, baffles between the base plate and translucent covering plate perpendicular to the base plate and parallel to each others provide an air current path, the farthest baffles form side walls, opposite to the inlet of the air current path installed with filter an outlet is provided, the inlet of the air pump house is connected to the outlet to which a device utilizing the heat energy is connected.

Abstract: A drier with a curvalinear chamber having a heat transfer surface at one end and baffles at the other end. A fan is provided to circulate air within the chamber. In the process for drying, the product to be dried is positioned within the chamber and air circulated across the heat transfer surface, toward the baffle, past the product, and back to the heat transfer surface.

Abstract: A thermal solar dehydrator (16) comprising en enclosure (18) having a plurality of drying chambers (20) therein. A plurality of perforated trays (22) are provided. A plurality of runners (24) support the perforated trays (22) in vertically spaced apart relationships within the drying chambers (20) of the enclosure (18), so that food can be placed upon the perforated trays (22). A structure (26) is for forcing air into and out of the drying chambers (20). An assembly (28) is for allowing sunlight (30) to penetrate the enclosure (18) and heat up the air passing through the drying chambers (20), so that the food placed upon the perforated trays (22) will dehydrate.

Abstract: A solar energy baking apparatus comprises one or more baking containers for receiving material to be baked or dried; reflectors with respect to the baking containers for reflecting solar energy and collecting and focusing the light on the baking containers; and a driving device for moving the reflectors to locate above or below the baking container. The present device may be used to set the baking temperature and the operating time. Through monitoring the controlling device, two driving devices are controlled respectively for operating the baking container, and for causing the reflectors to move to the lower portion of the baking container for reflecting and collecting solar energy, or rotate to the upper portion of the baking container so as to prevent the solar energy to radiate the baking containers. Thus the baking temperature and time are controlled and the process of baking by solar energy is improved.

Abstract: A drier with a curvalinear chamber having a heat transfer surface at one end and baffles at the other end. A fan is provided to circulate air within the chamber. In the process for drying, the product to be dried is positioned within the chamber and air circulated across the heat transfer surface, toward the baffle, past the product, and back to the heat transfer surface.

Abstract: A portable, solar powered clothes dryer comprising a dark-colored portable hamper which is perforated; a hamper shaft journaled in the center of the dark-colored portable hamper which serves the dual functionality of (1) handles for facilitating the portability of the dark-colored portable hamper, and (2) a spinning axis for spinning the dark-colored portable hamper; and, a solar power motor system for spinning the dark-colored portable hamper about said spinning axis. The drying process of the solar powered clothes dryer utilizes, in combination, maximized attraction of the heat energy from the sun by a dark-colored portable hamper for collecting heat energy therein, wherein the drying process does not utilize artificially produced heat, and the air draft from the spinning motion of the solar powered motor system.

Abstract: A system for drying fruits, spices, vegetables and the like comprises a heating compartment having an inlet for introducing a flow of drying gas and heating arrangement for elevating the temperature of the drying gas. A drying compartment is connected to and in communication with the heating compartment for holding the material to be dried. A driving arrangement is disposed in the heating compartment for directing heated drying gas through the heating compartment and into drying relationship with the material to be dried in the drying compartment. An exhaust arrangement is provided in the drying compartment for withdrawing a portion of the spent drying gas and recirculating another portion of the spent drying gas back onto the drying compartment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a crop growing in a field by continuously cutting the crop with a transportable cutter and forming a layer of the cut crop on a moving conveyor. A stream of solar heated air is continuously forced onto the moving crop to reduce its moisture content. Thereafter the crop is continuously formed into bales and the bales accumulated. The crop is processed by continuously cutting, solar drying, baling and accumulating it directly in the field in a one pass operation within a contained, transportable chamber. A dessicant material aids in removing moisture from air used for drying so that dried air can be recirculated.

Abstract: A stack of lumber (10) is inhibited from checking as it dries by being sheltered with an air pervious plastic material (16). The plastic material has a material to air density of greater than 50% to restrict sunlight and rain and less than 90% to allow adequate ventilation.

Abstract: A solar sanitary dryer bag to be used for drying and exterminating tiny worms and insects existing in a mattress or the like, characterized by having an opening for vacuuming the bag and having a black layer therein for effectively absorbing the solar heat.

Abstract: An energy-saving type solar-heated drying apparatus for drying various types of matter, which utilizes a drying room surrounded by a solar-heat transmitting/absorbing wall. In the drying room, the matter is deposited on an elongated drying cage while exposed to a dry hot air produced by the solar heat. During drying treatment of the matter, the matter is moved from a supply side of the drying cage to a discharge side of the same in a longitudinal direction of the drying cage by means of a stirring/mixing transporter by which the matter is stirred/mixed while moved from the supply side to the discharge side of the drying cage. The dry hot air produced in the drying room under the influence of the solar heat is drawn into the drying cage, passing through the matter deposited thereon so as to evenly and effectively dry the matter.

Abstract: Apparatus including a platform including fixed forward legs and adjustable rear legs to permit tilting of the platform and effecting drainage rearwardly thereof through associated drainage openings and a sponge collector. A framework is fixedly mounted extending outwardly of the platform to define a support for a transparent cover sheet surroundingly overlying and encompassing the framework and securable to the platform utilizing complementary hook and loop fasteners formed to the platform and to the cover sheet. A vacuum blower directs drying air through the covering sheet and associated slots formed within the covering sheet through the vacuum source to effect drying of a pet contained within the cover sheet mounted on the platform. A front panel of the cover sheet includes an upper opening for positioning of a pet's head therethrough and a lower opening underlying the upper opening for securement of a leash and the like directed therethrough.

Abstract: A solar electric drying apparatus for drying and dehydration of articles positioned therein and collecting of clean distillate produced during the drying operation which includes a housing with side walls defining closable openings therein and defining an open top and bottom area. A top is translucent to permit light therethrough for warming of the distillation chamber defined therebelow. A distillation collection means including an accumulation container is positioned within the distillation chamber itself. A porous tray extends across the open bottom area of the housing upon which articles to be solar dried are placed. A support table is adapted to receive the housing structure mounted thereon detachably and includes a blower means capable of including a heating means for blowing of air vertically through the porous tray to facilitate drying and dehydration and to equalize temperature and humidity characteristics within the distillation chamber.

Abstract: Processes for managing toxic and hazardous waste materials containing distillable solvents or chemicals in which the waste materials are collected and introduced into solar dryers wherein the more volatile solvent or chemical components thereof are distilled and recaptured as pure byproducts which may be recycled for future use and wherein the residue is retained within the solar dryers until such time as the residue is substantially free of all of the contaminant solvents or chemicals and after which such residue may be removed as a non-toxic and non-hazardous byproduct which may be prepared for future use or disposed of in a conventional manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a tray that has a crop disposed thereon. The apparatus includes a vehicle A-frame attached to an earth traversing vehicle; two adjustment members attached to the vehicle A-frame, each of which is adapted to receive and hold a deployment beam in a fixed attitude; a rotatable roller which is operable to receive and elevate the tray from a point of rest; and a spray manifold operably interconnected with a source of chemical to be applied, which is adapted to apply a chemical solution to the bottom surface of the tray to control the growth of harmful, undesirable organisms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a dried material from a mixture of solid particles colloidally suspended in a liquid, for example, for the production of fruit leather from a pulp and fruit juice mass, include floating an infrared-transparent film on the surface of a body of heated water and placing the material to be dried, such as the pulp and juice mix, on top of the film to absorb heat from the water and thereby cause drying of the material. The apparatus for carrying out the method includes a reservoir of water, a film floated on the water, and a heater for maintaining the temperature of the water at a predetermined level. In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir is in the form of an elongated trough and the film comprises an endless strip of polyester material, such as Mylar, to form a conveyor belt that floats on the surface of the water in the trough and carries the material to be dried on it.

Abstract: A clothes drying assembly of the type primarily designed to include a casing, preferably a conventional tumbler type casing, disposed in communication with heated air passing over and in heat transferring relation with a heat transferring coil having heated fluid continuously flowing therethrough from a solar energy type heat collector disposed in direct exposure to the sun's radient energy. Structure is provided to selectively discontinue use of the solar heating facility and dry clothes within the casing by conventional electrical or like heating equipment.

Abstract: A solar powered food dryer that may be used indoors is provided when a solar heated convection column is used to produce a draft of air and by means of this draft to draw air from a solar collector through a food drying chamber in such a way that the hot air from the collector is drawn over the food in the drying chamber and hot air ducting of the airstream provides a means of remoting the drying chamber to a sanitary and convenient place while leaving both the air heater and the draft generating convection column in a place exposed to solar radiation.

Abstract: Significant amounts of heat energy, otherwise wasted in the curing and drying systems previously known, are recovered and recycled in the multi-chamber system of the present invention to thereby significantly increase efficiency and reduce fuel requirements. Tobacco or other moisture containing material is cured and dried in batches in a plurality of individual chambers, with each chamber having suitable controls for individually controlling the temperature and humidity conditions of the curing air which is circulated through the chamber. Means and methods are disclosed for recovering and recycling the heat content of the heated exhaust air from the respective chambers, for using solar energy for further heating the air, and for recovering and recycling the heat energy of the batch of material as it is cooled down at the end of the curing and drying cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for drying and handling sludge. Sludge is conveyed or transferred into a rotary drying chamber that may be housed within a structure such as a solar drying structure. The rotary drying chamber is provided with a perforated side wall structure. As the rotary drying chamber is rotated, the action of the sludge within the drying chamber results in the sludge being transferred from the drying chamber through the side wall structure thereof. In particular, as the sludge is dried, the movement of the sludge within the drying chamber and particularly the impact of the sludge against the internal side wall structure of the drying chamber causes the sludge to be forced outwardly through the perforated side wall structure of the drying chamber in a spaghetti-like fashion. That is, the dried sludge is emitted through the side wall portion of the drying chamber in the form of relatively small spaghetti-like portions.

Abstract: A solar drying device for drying wet material. The device includes an air-filled drying chamber adapted to contain wet material to be dried. A solar collector heats the wet material and air contained within the drying chamber. A dehumidification system includes a dehumidification chamber defined in part by an outer panel and an inner panel, the outer panel being in contact with the ambient atmosphere. The dehumidification chamber forms at least part of a wall of one of the drying chamber and the solar collector. Means are provided for directing warm, moist air from the drying chamber through the dehumidification chamber so that water from the moist air condenses on the outer panel. The air is then directed to one of the drying chamber and the ambient atmosphere. Means are provided for removing the condensed water from the dehumidification system.

Abstract: A solar heated rotary kiln utilized for decomposition of materials, such as zinc sulfate. The rotary kiln has an open end and is enclosed in a sealed container having a window positioned for directing solar energy into the open end of the kiln. The material to be decomposed is directed through the container into the kiln by a feed tube. The container is also provided with an outlet for exhaust gases and an outlet for spent solids, and rests on a tiltable base. The window may be cooled and kept clear of debris by coolant gases.

Abstract: Solar apparatus for producing alcohol including a frame portion, a heating portion, a slurry-forming portion, a fermentation portion, a distillation portion, a condensation portion and a drying portion; the heating portion including a plurality of solar panel members, the slurry-forming portion including a hammer mill and a frustoconical section thereunder, the frustoconical section including a tangential liquid inlet opening and a tangential slurry outlet opening, the fermentation portion including a fermentation chamber, a pump disposed adjacent the chamber, inlet and outlet conduits extending between the pump and the bottom of the chamber, the distillation portion including a base section and a face section, the face section including a conduit having a circuitous path, the condensation portion including a first chamber, a second chamber extending downwardly within the first chamber partway down from the top, a spiral conduit disposed within the first chamber, the drying portion including a solar air heati

Abstract: Method and apparatus to control temperature and humidity in drying a material, for example green lumber, including a chamber to receive the lumber in stacked relation with air flow space between individual lumber pieces, a refrigeration system having a refrigerant compressor, evaporator and condenser where the condenser is disposed within the chamber, blower means to circulate air from the condenser over and through a stack of lumber, conduit means to communicate with the chamber for emission of air passing over the stack of lumber where the evaporator means is disposed to selectively receive the air flowing to the first conduit, solar cell means to receive radiant heat and having an inlet communicating with the first conduit and an outlet communicating with the chamber, third chamber means communicating with the first conduit and the chamber, damper means to selectively proportion air from the first conduit to the second and third conduits, controller means responsive to the temperature of the chamber to ope

Abstract: Fabrics are dried by tumbling the fabrics in a drying chamber into which hot air is introduced. The hot air is formed by passing ambient air through a solar heater to heat the air to a first temperature, and then further heating the air with a second heater such as a burner. The burner can be one which burns a fuel in the presence of combustion air. The combustion air can be a portion of the air that is passed through the solar heater.After drying the fabrics by this method, the drying zone can be cooled and the fabrics can be further dried by passing air through the solar heater, and then without further heating the air that has passed through the solar heater, introducing the air to the drying chamber.