Development of a Mixed-Mode Solar Kiln for Timber Seasoning

Different designs and improvements on solar kiln for drying different types of products have been an ongoing research interest, ranging from simple and small capacity to automated dryers with integrated storage systems. In this book, mixed-mode solar kiln with black pebble bed as absorber and storage is designed and evaluated at Nsukka, Nigeria. This kiln increased rate of drying and revealed the ability of the mixed-mode solar kiln incorporated with pebble-bed storage sub-unit to dry timber to safe moisture level without defects.