status of solar thermal in nepal , p

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4.2 Solar Dryer Historical Background The simple and inexpensive process of open sun drying is common in Nepal. Initially during mid seventies RECAST initiated R&D works on Solar Dryers. Later various private companies joined the market under various development programs. Noteworthy to mention here is the pioneering works of the Technical University of Munich, Germany which in collaboration with RECAST introduced tunnel type dryer in Marpha for apple drying in 1993. Current Status A recent study done by RECAST preliminarily indicates that about 14 districts of Nepal are using solar dryers. About 808 solar dryers are being used out of which 763 are of box type, 37 are of cabinet type and 8 are of tunnel type. Earlier solar dryers were being used for drying fruits, vegetables and meat products. But currently these are also used for drying medicinal herbs, tree bark and herbarium plant specimen. Various organizations are disseminating this technology for setting up a micro enterprise. System being used in Nepal Few manufacturers and NGOs have attempted to promote a few designs of solar dryers. A box-type solar cabinet dryer developed at the Brace Research Institute and modified by RECAST is being used for drying vegetables and fruits such as apples, ginger, banana, jackfruit and potato chips. A modified rack type solar dryer developed by RECAST is also used for drying fruits and vegetables, herbal plants and tree bark. Institutional Status • In the ninth five-year (1997-2002) plan 300 units of solar dryer (each having a collector area of 3 sq. m) are planned. • First of all there is no formally registered Association of Manufacturers of solar dryers in Nepal which could really contribute to the healthy growth of this industry. Particular Solar Cooker Box Cooker Standard Size Available Subsidy for Solar Cookers and Dryers Price/Unit Subsidy (%) (NRs) • No government or semi government institution is looking after the development of solar dryers. Financial Mechanism HMG of Nepal launched the subsidy program for solar dryer through AEPC in the fiscal year 1997/98. From April 1998 to May 1999 AEPC provided subsidy to 58 units of solar dryer. AEPC is currently providing 50 percent subsidy to the solar dryer costing from Rs. 2000/- to a maximum of Rs. 20,000/- in case of tunnel type solar dryer. Human Resource Development No specific institution is engaged in the training aspects of solar dryers. A few trainings on fabrication and maintenance is provided by CRT/N and RECAST in some selected program areas. Barriers in Promotion and Development The main barriers for promotion and development of solar dryers are as follows: • Absence of integrated development approach. • Absence of the required R&D works to develop product specific low cost solar dryers for commercial purposes. • Lack of awareness and training program. • Lack of specific plans/programs for the development and dissemination of solar drying technology. Remarks Wooden Box 2,400/- 50 Maximum Subsidy per Unit (size 2.5 sq. ft) Parabolic SK-14 7,500/- 50 Maximum Subsidy per Unit Diameter 1.4m Solar Dryer Tunnel Type 24 sq. ft 20,000/- 50 Maximum Subsidy per Unit (Force Draft) Cabinet Type 12 sq. ft 2,000/- 50 Maximum Subsidy per Unit Rack Type Effective Tray 8,000/- NA area 1.44 sq. m
• Poor monitoring and evaluation works. • Lack of standard for quality control and recommended practices for solar dryers. • Poor arrangements for the marketing and financing of solar dried products. Future Strategy • Solar dryers should be designed and fabricated taking into consideration the relevant parameters needed for regulation during the dehydration process based upon sound food technology practices. • Adequate R&D works should be carried out on the linkages between the agricultural crop cycle and the solar drying technology. • Suitable codes of standardization and quality control measures should be developed. • Proper mass awareness and dissemination program should be launched on a long-term basis regarding the use, maintenance and benefits of solar drying technology. • HMG of Nepal should morally and financially support institutions working on the promotion and development of solar drying technology. • AEPC should facilitate, monitor and coordinate the various R&D, quality control, HRD program and dissemination works related to the solar dryer technology. • Nepal Bureau of standards and Metrology should develop relevant standards/recommended practices for solar drying technology. • Education at appropriate levels should be given about solar drying technologies in the secondary and tertiary levels of education. • Vocational training schools should be encouraged to impart fabricating and installing skills related to solar dryers. 4.3 Solar Water Heaters (SWHs) Historical Background The development of SWHs in Nepal started around 1968 with the manufacture of first prototype SWH by Late Rev. B. R. Saubolle and Asha Brothers in Kathmandu. In autumn of 1974, Plumbing Division of Balaju Yanta Sala (BYS) made a pilot SWH from an old electric hot water tank and a small self-made collector. After considerable experiments improved SWHs were supplied to boarding school in Buddhanilkantha, Kathmandu. The development of SWHs received further support at the then newly established Sanitary Section of the Mechanical Training Centre in Balaju with supports from Helvetas of Switzerland. Current Status An estimated 20,000 households have installed SWH for domestic purpose. While this makes less than 0.5 percent of the total households in the country, Nepal is considered one of the countries with the highest adoption of this technology. Around 2000 new systems are primarily being installed in newly built middle class homes. The sector is propelled forward by status symbol as much as utility (Pandey 2000). Kathmandu district accounts for around 80 percent of these systems followed by Lalitpur, Pokhara and Bhaktapur. Almost all installations are within the municipalities of these districts. Among commercial users, hotels are the primary users of SWH. The industrial sector is practically a non user. Among hotels, the more expensive 'star' rated hotels use less solar heated water than the non-star rated hotels (WECS 1998). The WECS study reports that while 33 percent of the star hotels have SWHs, in the non-star category, the percentage is much higher, 60 percent of those in Kathmandu and 83 percent in Pokhara have SWHs. Certain lodges and hotels along trekking routes especially in Everest, Annarpurna and Langtang areas have adopted this technology. Adoption of SWH among educational and health institution is not high, less than 20 percent of schools and negligible among hospitals. It is estimated that there are around 200 manufacturers of SHWs in Nepal, primarily in the urban areas like Kathmandu and Pokhara. Around 35 SWH manufacturers registered with Department of Cottage and Small Industries. In addition to this it is estimated around 80-90 unregistered manufacturers within Kathmandu valley and likely to be similar number outside the valley as well, which are seasonal constructors and make other products during non-winter month. Since the manufacturing is simple and can be done by rudimentary metal workshops, there is no exact count of the number of actual manufacturers. There are variations in designs but despite the long period of use in Nepal, the locally manufactured SWHs are technically not in a very advanced stage. Thermo siphon type is the only type manufactured and marketed in commercial scale. The buyers have no choice as to the type of coating, and it is difficult, if not impossible, to get the standard performance curve from the manufacturers. The problems could be due to lack of market demand for sophisticated models, the need to keep the cost to minimum, lack of appropriate materials and so on. About 20 units of Australian made sophisticated imported Solahart brand SWHs have also been sold and used in Kathmandu, which uses closed system with an anti-freeze liquid for using in freezing climates. The technical performance of the collecters and SWHs are given only in terms of maximum outlet temperature of hot water. The absence of detail technical characteristics of the system often hinders the design of Solar heating systems using the SWHs.
Page 1 and 2: STATUS OF SOLAR THERMAL IN NEPAL IT
Page 3: 4. Solar Thermal Activities in Nepa
Page 7 and 8: 5. Centre for Rural Technology Nepa

status of solar thermal in nepal , p

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