This solar dehydrator was made entirely of recovered materials. It was constructed with scrap ply wood, 2x4s from an old ladder, a house window, and other items which could be considered trash. It was created as a project at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa.
Why We Dry: Removal of moisture prevents bacteria from ruining your values fruits and vegetables. Drying is a form of preservation.
Step 1: Learn the Design
There are vents underneath in the front which are hidden in this picture. The darker section is a piece of heat absorbent material, we used painted metal for this particular dehydrator, but other materials will do as long as they are dark. The food itself is placed on the shelf, which will be made out of a cloth screen. Other screen-like materials can be used, but take chemical leeching into consideration to prevent contamination. The back piece of ply wood can be opened to remove the shelf and provide additional ventilation.
Step 2: Find Materials
4 2.5' Long 2" x 4"s
10 feet of 2" x 2" wood (Braces and drying shelf support)
A Window (20" x 23 1/8") or a suitable slab of clear plastic.
Screen (For covering vents)
Stretchable Cloth/Material. We used stalkings. (For drying rack)
A Hook & String (To fasten the rear door)
Caulk (For perfectionists)
Step 3: Size Pieces
-1' x 23 1/4"' (Top)
- TWO 20" x 12" x 26 1/8" x 14 1/8" (Sides) This has a diagonal cut.
-26 1/8" x 23 1/16" (Bottom) This will be trimmed to fit legs and vents.
-14 1/8" x 23 1/16" (Back) This will be on hinges.