Sparky Dryer

Product Description

Sparky Dryer is a low tech thermodehydrator designed by Sparky Social Enterprise Limited. The dryer is powered by harvest waste and solar energy and therefore has zero carbon emissions. The Sparky Dryer dehydrates 5 times faster than solar dryers, and 10 times faster than open sun drying method while still maintaining the nutrients in the food. In addition, it can dry up to 50 kg of produce within 5 hours with only 2 kgs of bio-fuel.

Market Suggested Retail Price

$328.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

This product is currently being distributed directly to clients by Sparky Social Enterprise Limited.

Manufacturing/Building Method

This product is manufactured to demand in Uganda.

Intellectural Property Type

Other

User Provision Model

Users can obtain the product from the Sparky website and Sparky Dryer Enterprise Limited Facebook page. Orders can be made via social media or during Sparky Dryer's farmer outreach and product marketing programs.

Distributions to Date Status

7 Sparky dryers have been sold as of August 2018.

Design Specifications

The Sparky Dryer is designed to the following specifications: first, the outer casing is made out of aluminum while the inner parts of the dehydrating chamber is made of stainless steel for efficient heat distribution. Next, the produce to be dried is placed on the stainless steel mesh. The biomass fuel is housed at the bottom of the dryer on a special container with a catalytic converter preventing harmful gases from being released during the drying process. Finally, the inner walls of the dryer are thickly insulated to prevent heat loss to the surroundings for maximum efficiency. The dryer comes with 1 stove, 8 trays for the big size dryer, and 5 trays for the small size dryer.

The solar energy stored in the battery can dehydrate food in 5 hrs, extending food shelf life from 2 days to more than 6 months. The complete set of the dryer comes one 12V 10w solar panel, 1 12V 7AH Battery, and a 7-meter connecting cable.

Technical Support

Provided by the manufacturer

Replacement Components

The aluminum and steel frames can be replaced using locally available materials.

Lifecycle

Unknown

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Manufacturer specified performance targets: include fast drying, fuel-efficient, and zero carbon emissions.

Vetted Performance Status

Unknown

Safety

Potential hazards related to the operation of this product include the handling of electrical equipment and accidental burning.

Complementary Technical Systems

Reliable access to sunlight is required to charge this product. The manufacturer sells two versions of the Sparky Dryer: 1) Sparky Dryer Large, and 2) Sparky Dryer Small.

Academic Research and References

None

Compliance with regulations

Unknown

Other Information

Additional videos and pictures of the Sparky Dryer product and business can be found on the Sparky Dryer YouTube channel, Sparky Dryer Instagram page, and Sparky Social Enterprise Limited Facebook page.