Sunlite
Micro-sized solar-powered food dehydrator ideal for the urban environment.
What is it used for?
Sunlite is a designed as a method for dehydrating fruits and vegetables at home.
The Solar Dehydrator clamps onto a balcony or window sill and can be easily assembled, cleaned, and used. Sunlite is aimed to promote urban homesteading practices among college students by offering solutions to reduce food waste as well as save money by extending the shelf life of various perishable groceries.
How it Works:
A solar food dehydrator uses sunlight to remove moisture from food, preserving it for longer storage.
It features a box-like design with transparent panels that absorb sunlight and heat the air inside. Warm air circulates around the food, evaporating moisture, while vents allow for airflow. The dehydrator typically reaches temperatures between 120°F and 160°F, making it effective for drying fruits, vegetables, and herbs. This energy-efficient method harnesses renewable energy for food preservation
Redesigning for the Urban Environment
Design Objectives:
Small Scale
Easily Assembled and Dismantled
Can be used in Dorms/Apartments
No Yard Necessary
Consumer Considerations:
College Student/Campus Resident
Low Income
Minimal Space
Little Access to direct Sunlight
Ideation
Digital Fabrication
Design/Quality Testing
Tolerance Assessment
Interact with product
Tools Used:
Rhino 3D
Fusion 360
Prusa MK3 Printer
PLA Reserve Filament
PrusaSlicer™
Fully Functional Prototype: Entirely 3D Printed
Publishing My Design
The STL Files along with user instructions are shared on Printables.com as a way to tempt my peers to start their homesteading journey and help pave the way to a more sustainable lifestyle.
