Intellectual Property India Publishes Patent Application for “integrated Solar-Powered Drying And Cooling System For Post-Harvest Preservation Of Fruits And Vegetables”

MUMBAI, India, June 22 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202521100507 A) filed by Amol Bhaskarrao Dhumne; Dr. Hameshbabu Nanvala; Mr. Ashish B. Samarth; Mr. Mohd. Razik Mohd. Iqbal; Dr. Vaibhav Pannase; Mr. Nitin Namdeo Pawar; and Dr. Md Maroof Md Nayeem on October 16, 2025, for “integrated Solar-Powered Drying And Cooling System For Post-Harvest Preservation Of Fruits And Vegetables”.

Inventors include Amol Bhaskarrao Dhumne; Dr. Hameshbabu Nanvala; Mr. Ashish B. Samarth; Mr. Mohd. Razik Mohd. Iqbal; Dr. Vaibhav Pannase; Mr. Nitin Namdeo Pawar; and Dr. Md Maroof Md Nayeem.

The application for the patent was published on June 12, 2026, under issue no. 24/2026.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined solar drying and cooling system for vegetables and fruits, designed to provide a sustainable, energy-efficient, and environment-friendly solution for post-harvest preservation. The system integrates a solar collector, a solar drying chamber, a solar adsorption refrigeration system, and a Zero Energy Cooling Chamber (ZECC) to achieve controlled dehydration and low-temperature storage of agricultural produce using solar energy. The solar collector, made of a Tin Sheet tin sheet coated with black paint, absorbs solar radiation to generate heated air, which is circulated through the thermally insulated drying chamber containing multiple trays for uniform drying of sliced fruits and vegetables. The solar adsorption refrigeration system comprises a tube-in-tube copper arrangement, a condenser coil, a control valve, and an evaporator unit forming a closed refrigeration circuit. The outer tube contains activated charcoal as the adsorbent material, and the inner tube circulates methanol as the refrigerant, enabling continuous adsorption–desorption cycles powered by solar energy. The ZECC, constructed from locally available materials such as bricks, zeolite, and sand, employs evaporative cooling to maintain a low-temperature, high-humidity environment, thereby extending the shelf life and quality of stored produce. The integrated system provides a cost-effective, off-grid solution for rural and semi-urban regions, minimizing post-harvest losses while reducing reliance on conventional electricity.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.