Solar Collector Cuts Drying Cost

Solar Collector Cuts Drying Cost GRAIN DRYERS Grain Dryers (29E) 1-5-26 Under ideal sunlight conditions, the new Kern'L Komfort solar grain drying system collects upwards of 300,000 btu's of free heat per hour. Its maximum drying output is equivalent to 4 gals. of LP gas per hour, says Don Schmidt, vice president of marketing for Specialty Metal Fabricators, Minonk, Ill., manufacturer of the solar collector. Even on overcast days it still operates at 50% or better efficiency, and also reduces rain intake through the aeration fan on rainy days, Schmidt points out. A single solar drying system handles a 10,000 to 12,000 bu. capacity storage unit. Multiple units are recommended for storage of over 12,000 bu. The Kern'1-Komfort system has a triangular shaped, solid steel rod support frame resting on black polyethylene film which is used as the collector. Clear polyethylene film, with ultra-violet light inhibitor, is used for the cover and collector enclosure. Special patented fasteners attach polyethylene to the frame. A flexible adapter is used to fit any size fan housing and a manually operated proportional airflow control is standard equipment. The complete unit is 100 ft. long, 8 ft. wide and 26 in. tall, providing 800 sq. ft. of collector area. When not in use, the unit stores in an 8 by 8 ft. area. Retail cost of the 100 ft. long collector is $1395. During the off season for crop drying, it can be used to provide supplemental heat for your farm shop or other buildings. Takes about 4 hours to assemble or tear down. Estimated annual cost for replacing the 100 ft. plastic cover is right at $50, according to Schmidt. For more details, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Specialty Metal Fabricators, 1032 Chestnut St., Minonk, Ill. 61760 (ph. 309 432-2586).

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